Section A - Coloumb's law, Electrostatic (d) Types of Charge

Equillibrium + Properties of (i) Positive charge : It is the deficiency of

Charge
electrons compared to protons.
(ii) Negative charge : It is the excess of electrons
1. INTRODUCTION :
compared to protons.
(a) Introduction :
Electromagnetism is a science of the combinatin of
(e) Units of Charge
electrical and magnetic phenomenon.
Charge is a derived physical quantity. Charge is
Electromagnetism can be divided into 2 parts :
measured in coulomb in S.I. unit. In practice we use
(1) Electrostatics : It deals with the study of
mC (10–3C), C (10 –6 C), nC (10–9C) etc.
charges at rest.
C.G.S unit of charge = electrostatic unit = esu.
(2) Electrodynamics : It deals with the study of
1 coulomb = 3 × 109 esu of charge
charges in motion (discusses magnetic phenomenon).
Dimensional formula of charge = [M°L°T1I1]
In this chapter we will be dealing with charges at
rest i.e. electrostatics.
(f) Properties of Charge
(b) Structure of Atom : (I) Charge is a scalar quantity : It adds algebrically
An atom consists of two parts (i) nucleus (ii) extra and represents excess, or deficiency of electrons.
nuclear part. Nucleus consists of neutrons and (II) Charge is transferable : Charging a body implies
protons and extra nuclear part has electrons transfer of charge (electrons) from one body to
revolving around nucleus. another. Positively charged body means loss of
In a neutral atom. electrons, i.e. deficiency of electrons. Negatively
number of electrons = number of protons. charged body means excess of electrons. This also
charge of electrons = charge of protons shows that mass of a negatively charged
= 1.602 × 10–19 coulomb. body > mass of a positively charged identical body.
Normally positive charges are positron, proton and (III) Charge is conserved : In an isolated system, total
positive ions. In nature practically free existing charge (sum of positive and negative) remains
positive charge are positive ions and negative constant whatever change takes place in that system.
charges are electrons. (IV) Charge is quantized : Charge on any body always
exists in integral multiples of a fundamental unit of
(c) Electric Charge
electric charge. This unit is equal to the magnitude
Charge of a material body or particle is the property
of charge on electron (1e = 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb). So
(acquired or natural) due to which it produces and
charge on anybody Q = ± ne, where n is an integer
experiences electrical and magnetic effects. Some
and e is the charge of the electron. Millikan's oil drop
of naturally charged particles are electron, proton,
experiment proved the quantization of charge or
-particle etc.
atomicity of charge.
 (i) Charging of Conductors :
Conductors can be charged by
2
• Recently, the existence of particles of charge ± e (a) Rubbing or frictional electricity
3
(b) Conduction & Induction (will be studied in later
2 sections)
and ± e has been postulated. These particles are
3 (c) Thermionic emission (will be study the topic
"heat")
called quarks but still this is not considered as the
(d) Photo electric emission (will be studied under
quantum of charge because these are unstable
the topic modern physics)
(They have very short span of life.)
(v) Like point charges repel each other while unlike (ii) Charging of Insulators :
point charges attract each other. Since charge cannot flow through insulators, neither
(vi) Charge is always associated with mass, i.e., conduction nor induction can be used to charge,
charge can not exist without mass though mass can insultators, so in order to charge an insulator friction
is used. Whenever an insulator is rubbed against a
exist without charge. The particle such as photon
body exchange of electrons takes place between the
or neutrino which have no (rest) mass can never
two. This results in apperance of equal and opposite
have a charge.
charges on the insulator and the other body. Thus
(vii) Charge is relativistically invariant : This means
the insulator is charged. For example rubbing of
that charge is independent of frame of reference,
plastic with fur, silk with glass causes charging of
i.e., charge on a body does not change whatever these things.
be its speed. This property is worth mentioning as
To charge the bodies through friction one of them
in contrast to charge, the mass of a body depends
has to be an insultator.
on its speed and increases with increase in speed.
(viii) A charge at rest produces only electric field
around itself; a charge having uniform motion 2. COULOMB'S LAW :
produces electric as well as magnetic field around Coulomb, through his experiments found out that
itself while a charge having accelerated motion the two charges 'q1' and 'q2' kept at distance 'r' in a
emits electromagnetic radiation. medium as shown in figure-1 exert a force 'F' on
(g) Conductors and Insulators : each other. The value of force F is given by
Any object can be broadly classified in either of the Kq1q 2
F
following two categories : r2
(i) Conductors
F r F
(ii) Insulators
(i) Conductors : These are the materials that allow +q 1 +q2
flow of charge through them. This category generally This law gives the net force experienced by q1 and
comprises of metals but may sometimes contain non- q2 taking in account the medium surrounding them.
metals too. (ex. Carbon in form of graphite.) Where F gives the magnitude of electrostatic force q1
(ii) Insulators : These are the materials which do not and q2 are the magnitudes of the two interacting charges.
allow movement of charge through them. K is electrostatic constant which depends upon the
medium surrounding the two charges.
(h) Charging of Bodies :
This force F acts along the line joining the two
An object can be charged by addition or removed
charges and is repulsive if q1 and q2 are of same
of electrons from it. In general an object can either
sign and is attractive if they are of opposite sign.
be a conductor or insulator. Thus we are going to
Let us take some examples on application of
discuss the charging of a conductor and charging
coulomb's Law.
of an insultor in brife.
EXAMPLE 1 kq1q 2
Charge 5.0 × 10–7 C, –2.5 × 10–7C and 1.0 × 10–7 Sol. a
mx 2
C are fixed at the corners A, B and C of an equilateral
triangle of side 5.0 cm. Find the electric force on v r
kq1q 2 2 dx
the charge at C due to the rest two. 
0
vdv 
m r x2 
1
9 –7 –7
9  10  5  10  1  10
FAC 
(.05) 2
v 2 kq1q 2 1 1 
= 0.18 Nt     
FAC 2 m  r1 r2 

2kq1q 2 1 1 
q3 = 1.0 × 10–7C  v   
C m  r1 r2 
FBC
a = 5 cm EXAMPLE 3
a
Ten charged particles are kept fixed on the X axis at
point x = 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, .......... 100 mm.
A a B The first particle has a charge 10–8 C, the second
q1 = 5 × 10–7C q2 = –2.5 × 10–7C
8 × 10–8 C, the third 27 × 10–8C and so on. The tenth
9  109  –2.5  10 –7  1  10 –7 particle has a charge 1000 × 10 –8 C. Find the
FBC =
(.05)2 magnitude of electric force acting on a 1 C charge
placed at the origin.
= – .09 Nt
Net force on C is
  
F Net  F AC  F BC
q1 q2 q3 q4
 1C
F Net  (FAC )2  (F BC )2  2(FAC )(F BC ) cos 

[ = 120°]
= 0.15588 Nt

Kq1  1
EXAMPLE 2 Sol. Force of 1C charge =
(10  10 –3 ) 2
If charge q1 is fixed and q2 is free to move then find
out the velocity of q2 when it reaches distance r2
Kq 2  1 Kq 3  1
after it is release from a distance of r1 from q1 as + –3 2 +
 .......
(20  10 ) (30  10 –3 )2
shown in figure (Assume friction is absent).

K  10 –8  13 23 33 103 
= –4  2  2  2  ...... 2 
q2 10 1 2 3 10 
q1
= 9 × 109 × 10–4 × 55 = 4.95 × 107 Nt
fixed r1
[This example explains that the concept of
r2 superposition holds in the case of electric forces.
Net electric force at the origin is equal to sum of
Find v of q2 when it reaches distance r2 after it is
the individual electric forces on the 1 C charge]
released from rest.
 EXAMPLE 4 EXAMPLE 5
A block 'A' of charge q1 is fixed and second block Given a cube with point charges q on each of its
of mass m and charge q2 is allowed to free on the vertices. Calculate the force exerted on any of the
floor findout the range of q2 for which the particle charges due to rest of the 7 charges.
Sol. The net force on particle A can be given by vector
is at rest.
sum of force experienced by this particle due to all
the other charges on vertices of the cube.
A,q1 m,q2 For this we use vector form of coulomb's law
fixed   
 Kq1q2
F  3
( r1 – r2 )
 
r r1 – r2

Sol. Maximum friction =  mg

From the figure the different forces acting on A are
kq q given as
mg  12 2
r
 ˆ
Kq 2 (–ak)
F A1  3
mgr 2 a
 q2 
kq1
 Kq 2 (–ajˆ – ak)
ˆ
FA 2 
( 2a)3
mgr 2 mgr 2
– q
kq1 kq1  Kq 2 (–aiˆ – ajˆ – ak)
ˆ
FA 3  3
( 3a)
2.1 Vector forms of Coloumb’s law Z

(a, 0, a) 1
4
(a, a, a) 2 (0, a, a)
3

5 A
(0,0,0)
X (a, 0, 0)

(F21 : force on q2 due to q1) 6 (0, a, 0)

7
(a, a, 0)
Y
 kq q kq q 
F21  12 2 rˆ  13 2 r
r r
 Kq 2 (–aiˆ – ak)
ˆ  ˆ
Kq 2 (–ai)
FA 4  3 , F A 5
 3
 kq q   ( 2a) a
F21   1  2 3  r2  r1 
 r2  r1   Kq 2 (–aiˆ – aj)
ˆ
FA 6 
Head of r points at that position where force has ( 2a)3
to be calculated.
    ˆ
Kq 2 (–aj)
r2 & r1 depend on origin but r does not. FA 7  3
a
q1 and q2 should be put along with sign.
 The net force experienced by A can be given as r
        x
Fnet  FA1  FA2  FA3  FA4  FA5  FA6  FA7 A B C
Q q Q

–Kq 3  1 1  ˆ  Qq Qq
=    1 (iˆ  ˆj  k)  k.  k.
a  3 3 2 or x2 = (r – x)2
  x2 (r  x)2

r
EXAMPLE 6 or x = r – x or x
2
Two particles, each having a mass of 5 gm and
Since the charge at A is repelled by the similar charge
charge 1.0 × 10–7C, stay in limiting equilirbium on a
at C, so it will be in equilibrium if it is attracted by
horizontal table with a separation of 10 cm between
the charge q at B, i.e., the sign of charge q should
them. The coefficient of friction between each
be opposite to that of charge Q.
particle and the table is the same. Find the value of
 Force of repulsion between charges at A and C
this coefficient.
= Force of attraction between charges at A and B
q = 10–7 c q = 10–7 Q.q Q.Q
k k 2 Q
or q 
(r / 2)2 r 4
FC 5 gm 5 gm Fc
f f

A 10cm B EXAMPLE 8
Two point charges +4e and +e are fixed a distance
Sol. Consider particle A. Forces acting on A are
‘a’ apart. Where should a third point charge q be
coulombic force and frictional force under limiting
placed on the line joining the two charges so that it
condition friction will be limiting and will be equal to
may be in equilibrium ? In which case the equilibrium
coulombic force.
will be stable and in which unstable.
Kq 2 9  109  (10 –7 )2 Sol. Suppose the three charges are placed as shown in fig.
FC = =  9  10 –3 N
r2 (10  10 –2 ) 2 Let the charge q be positive.
+4e +q +e
f =  N = mg = (5 × 10–3 × 10) =  (5 × 10–2 N)
F2 F1
For equilibrium,
x a–x
we have Fc = f
9 × 10–3 =  (5 × 10–2) For the equilibrium of charge +q, we must have
Force of repulsion F1 between + 4e and +q = Force
9  10–3 of repulsion F2 between + e and +q
   0.18
5  10–2
1 4e  q 1 eq
or 
EXAMPLE 7 40 x 2 40 (a  x) 2
Two identical charge, Q each, are kept at a distance
or 4(a – x)2 = x2
r from each other. A third charge q is placed on the
or 2(a – x) = ± x
line joining the above two charges such that all the
three charges are in equilibrium. What is the 2a
 x or 2a.
magnitude, sign and position of the charge q ? 3
Sol. Suppose the three charges be placed in the manner, As the charge q is placed between +4e and +e, so
as shown in fig. only x = 2a/3 is possible. Hence for equilibrium, the
The charge q will be in equilibrium if the forces charge q must be placed at a distance 2a/3 from
exerted on it by the the charge +4e.
charges at A and C are equal and opposite. We have considered the charge q to be positive.
 If we displace it slightly towards charge e, from the EXAMPLE 10
equilibrium position, then F1 will decrease and F2 A charge Q is to be divided in to two smalll objects.
will increase and a net force (F2 – F1) will act on q What should be the value of the charge on the
towards left i.e., towards the equilibrium position. objects so that the force between the objects will
Hence the equilibrium of position q is stable. Now be maximum.
if we take charge q to be negative, the force F1 and Sol. Let one body have charge q and other hence Q – q
F2 will be attractive, as shown in fig.
–q
Kq(Q – q)
+4e +e Here force between the charges F =
F1 F2 r2
x a–x
dF
The charge –q will still be in equilibrium at x = 2a/3. For F to be maximum 0
dq
However, if we displace charge – q slightly towards
right, then F1 will decrease and F2 will increase. A q Q–q
net force (F2 – F1) will act on –q towards right i.e.,
away from the equilibrium position. So the r
equilibrium of the negative q will be unstable.

EXAMPLE 9 d  KqQ Kq 2 
 – 2 0
Two ‘free’ point charges +4e and +e are placed a dq  r 2 r 
distance ‘a’ apart. Where should a third point charge
KQ 2Kq Q
–q be placed between them such that the entire system – 2 0  q =
may be in equilirbium ? What should be the magnitude r2 r 2
and sign of q ? What type of a equilibrium will it be ? Thus we have to divide charges equally on the objects.
Sol. Suppose the charges are placed as shown in fig.
As the charge +e exerts repulsive force F on charge EXAMPLE 11
+4e, so for the equilibrium of charge + 4e, the Two identical positive point charges Q each are fixed
charge –q must exert attraction F on +4e. This apart at a distance 2a. A point charge q lies mid
requires the charge q to be negative. way between the fixed charges. Show that
For equilibrium of charge +4e, (i) For small displacement (relative to a) along line
F = F joining the fixed charges, the charge q executes
1 4e  e 1 4e  q SHM if it is +ve and
 . (ii) For small lateral displacement, it executes SHM
40 a 2 40 x 2
if it is –ve. Compare the frequencies of oscillation
+4e –q +e in the two cases.
F F' F1 F2 Sol. The two situations are shown in figure
x a–x (i) Let x be the displacement of the charge +q from
a
the mean position. Now net force acting on the charge
q toward its equilirbium position is
ex 2
or q KQq KQq
a2 F –
(a – x)2 (a  x)2
For equilibrium of charge –q,
F1 between +4e and –q
+Q q +q +Q
F2 between + e and – q x
(i)
1 4e  e 1 eq a
2

40 x 4  0 (a  x)2 –q
or x2 = 4(a – x)2  x = 2a/3 +Q x +Q
2 2
ex e 4a 4e
Hence q   2.  a (ii)
a2 a 9 9
 Sol.
4KQqax 4KQqax
= (a 2 – x 2 )2  [As x < < a]
a4 +q –Q +2q
4KQqx
 A C
a3 B
x
F 4KQqx
Restoring acceleration, a = =– d
m ma 3
[– ve sign shows restoring tendency] For the charges to be in equilibrium forces should
a = –2x [where m is the mass of the charge] be balanced on A as well as on B.
As acceleration is directly proportional to displacement, Balancing forces on A
hence the motion is SHM. Its time period T1 is given by
Kq(2q)
2 FAB =
T1 = d2


 ma 3  0 ma 3 +q
2   2  FAB
T1 =   ...(1) FAC
 4QqK  qQ
A
(ii) Restoring force on –q toward Q is given by
KqQ
2KQq x FAC =
x2
F = (a 2  x 2 ) .
(a  x 2 )
2
2q Q
or 
2KQq 2KQqx d2 x 2
= (a 2  x 2 )3/ 2  a 3 [As x << a]
2qx 2
or Q ...(1)
F 2KQq d2
Restoring acceleration a = =– x
m ma 3 Balancing force on B
a = – 2x 2Kq(Q)
Hence the motion is SHM. Its time period T2 is FBC =
(d – x)2
given by
2
T2 = +2q
 F BC
FAB
B
 ma 3  20 ma 3
T2 = 2   = 2 ...(2)
 2QqK  qQ 2Kq(Q) Kq(2q)

or
(d – x) 2 d2
n1 T2
Now, n  T  2 (Q) q
2 1
or 
(d – x) 2 d 2

EXAMPLE 12 Solving equation (1) and (2) we get

Two particles A and B having charges q and 2 q 2qx 2 q
respectively are placed on a smooth table with a  2 (d – x) 2
d2 d
separation d. A third particle C is to be clamped on
the table in such a way that the particles A and B or 2x2 = (d – x)2
remain at rest on the table under electrical forces. or 2x2 = d2 + x2 – 2xd
What should be the charge on C and where should or x2 + 2xd – d2 = 0
it be clamped ? or x = ( 2 – 1) d or – d (1 + 2)
 The negative value implies that the particle C will
T
lie toward left of A at a distance ( 2 – 1) d from A 
(as x was measured from A)
kq2
For the position x = x1 = ( 2 – 1) d. r2

Q = Q1 = – q(6 – 2)
and for x = x2 = – d ( 2 + 1)
mg
Q = Q2 = – q (6 + 4 2 ) Here for equilibrium of each bob. we have
Thus be two possibilities are shown in figure
Q1 kq 2
T sin  = ...(1)
r2

T cos  = mg ...(2)
A C B
x
kq 2
d or tan  =
r 2 mg
Q1 Q2

or
A B 1 K(2  10 –8 ) 2
or 
or 2
(20) – 1 2 (3  10 –2 )2 m  10
C B x2 b

or m = 7.96 gm
EXAMPLE 13 From equation (2)
Two identical pitch balls are charged by rubbing
against each other. They are suspended from a mg 7.96  10 –3  10  20
horizontal rod through two strings of length 20 cm T= =
cos  (20)2 – 1
each. The separation between the suspension points
being 5 cm. In equilibrium the separation between = 7.72 × 10–2 N
the balls is 3 cm. Find the mass of each ball and the
tension in the string. The charge on each ball has
EXAMPLE 14
magnitude 2 × 10–8 C.
Sol. As the balls are rubbed against each other they will A particle A having a charge q = 5 × 10–7 C is fixed
acquire equal and opposite charges. The FBD of on a vertical wall. A second particle B of mass 100 g
left ball is shown in figure which shows all the forces and having equal charge is suspended by a silk thread
acting on ball in equilibrium position. of length 30 cm from the wall. The point of suspension
5cm is 30 cm above the particle A. Find the angle of thread
with vertical when it stays in equilibrium.
Sol. The situation shown in figure

Here the forces acting on bob B can be shown as
20cm
FBD of B is
Using Lami's theorem, we get

3cm mg F
q = –2 × 10–8C q = 2 × 10–8C 
    sin( – )
sin   
 2 2
 
r 
30 0 = relative permittivity of medium with respect
 cm
to free space, also termed as dielectric constant.
30cm

T Kq 2 For free space r = 1

/ 2  / 2

F
( AB) 2
B 1 N – m2
and K  = 9 × 109
r  40 coul2
A
q = 5 × 10–7 C
mg (ii) Force dependency on Medium
We can say that when two charges are placed in
mg Kq 2 vacuum (or air) the force experienced by the

or   charges can be given as
cos 2  0.30  sin  sin 
2 2
1 q1q 2
Fair 
40 r 2
mg Kq 2

or     When these charges are submerged in a medium,
cos 0.60sin  2sin cos
2 2 2 2 having dielectric constant r, the force becomes

1 q1q 2
 Kq 2 Fmed = 4  2
0 r r
2
or sin 
2 2mg(0.60)
Fair
or Fmed = 
r
T  
 as r > 1
2 2 F
 Fmed < Fair
 B

EXAMPLE 15
Two identically charged spheres are suspended by strings
mg
of equal length. The strings make an angle of 30° with
each other. When suspended in a liquid of density
On solving we get  = 17° 0.8 gm/cc the angle remains same. What is the dielectric
constant of liquid. Density of sphere = 1.6 gm/cc
2.2 Coloumb's law in a medium :
(i) Relative Permittivity
When two charges are placed in vacuum or when
the same set of charges are placed in a medium,
the net force experienced by the charges will be 30°
different. The effect of presence of medium is 15°
accounted in the proportionality constant K. This
electrostatic constant K is defined as

1
K= where  = 0 r
4
Sol. When set up shown in figure is in air, we have
where  = absolute permittivity of medium
0 = permittivity of free space. having a constant F
tan 15° = mg
value = 8.85 × 10–12 coul2/N-m2
 When set up is immersed in the medium as shown a  a 
in figure, the electric force experienced by the ball kq ' .dx  1
force F  dF 
   kq  – 
a
x2  x a
F
will reduce and will be equal to and the effective
r 1 1 
= kq    
a a  
  
gravitational force will become mg 1 –  
 s  Note

30°
Section B - Electric field, Questions on
constant electric field, Electric
field due to uniformly charged
F Rod, Time period of SHM +
r Electrostatics, Electric field due
   to uniformly charged Ring, disc,
mgeff  mg1– e  sheet
 s 
3. ELECTRIC FIELD :
Thus we have tan 15° The figure shown a charge q is lying in free space.

F
= F F
   q q'
mgr 1 –  
 s 
Now a charge q is brought near it.
By columb's law we know that the charge q experiences
1 a force and it exerts an equal force on q.
r  2
 How does q become aware of the presence of q ???
1– 
s (We don't expect q to have sensory organs just as
we have)
EXAMPLE 16
The answer is electric field !!!
Find the total force on charge q due to a charge rod
Electric field is the space surrounding an electric
having linear charge density  C/m placed as shown
charge q in which another charge q experiences a
in figure.
(electrostatic) force of attraction, or repulsion.

c / m
q q
++++++++

l a
Electric field for a positive charge

c / m dx  dq
q kq.dx
dF  –q
dx x2
Sol.
l a
x Electric field for a negative charge
 The direction of electric field is radially outwards for 
E
a positive charge and is radially inwards for a negative
charge as shown in the figure above. There are some p

x
points always to be kept in mind. These are
(1) Electric field can be defined as a space surrounding
a charge in which another static charge experiences q
a force on it.  Kq
(2) In a region electric field is said to exist if an electric E  2 .xˆ
x
force is exerted on a static charge placed at that point.
(3) It is important to note that with every charge particle,  Kq 
there is an electric field associated which extends or E  3 .x ...(3)
x
up to infinity.
(4) No charged particle experiences force due to its It should be noted that the expression in equation (2)
own electric field. and (3) are only valid for point charges. We can not
find electric field strength due to charged extended
F
Ep = N/c bodies by concentrating their whole charge at
q0
geometric centre and using the result of a point charge.
A very small positive charge which does not produce
its significant electric field is called a test charge.
Thus electric field strength at point can be defined EXAMPLE 17

generally as "Electric field strength at only point in Four particles each having a charge q are placed
space to be the electrostatic force per unit charge on the four vertices of a regular pentagon. The
on a test charge." distance of each corner from the centre is 'a'. Find
If a charge q0 placed at a point in electric field, the electric field at the centre of pentagon.

experiences a net force F on it, then electric field Sol. We can calculate the electric field at centre by the
strength at that point can be superposition method i.e., by adding vectorially the
 electric field due to all the 4 charges at centre which
 F
or E ....(1) will come out to be :
q0

[q0  test charge]      Kq

F centre  F 1  F 2  F 3  F 4  2
(a) Electric Field Strength due to Point Charge : a
q
As discussed earlier, if we find electric field due to
a point charge at a distance x from it. Its magnitude

can be given as  F net
q  F2
F1
Kq 
E 2 ...(2)
x F3
a 
(b) Vector Form of Electric field due to a Point F4
Charge :
q q
As shown in figure, the direction of electric field

strength at point P is along the direction of x . Thus In the direction of the vector with no charge as shown

the value of E can be written as in figure shown.
Alternate : Sol. The situation is shown in figure (a)

Consider pentagon with charges on all vector. P

Now, E.F. at centre must be zero due to symmetry

l
q B C

Q Q

q q a
A
D
a a
Q Q
(a)
q q
(a) F cos θ
F


P F sin 

q – F net 

 a2
2

F net h2
h

A O
a/ 2
(b)
(b)
Thus E.F. due to 4 charge + E. F. due to 1 charge = 0 Force experienced by unit positive charge placed
or E.F. due to 4 charges = – E.F. due to 1 charge at P due to a charge Q at A is given by
Where – sign denotes that both the forces are in K(Q  1)
F
opposite direction.  2 a2 
h  
 2
Thus E.F. dut to 4 charges = – E.F. due to 1 charge
Similarly, equal forces act on unit positive charge at
Kq P due to charge at B, C and D. When these forces
= 2 are resolved in horizontal and vertical directions,
a
the horizontal component (F sin ) cancel each other
[Another good example of superposition theorem] and the net vertical force is 4F cos .

4 KQ
Thus net upward force  .cos 
EXAMPLE 18  2 a2 
h  
Four equal positive charges each of value Q are  2 

arranged at the four corners of a square of side a. A For the equilibrium of unit positive charge at P,
unit positive charge mass m is placed at P, at a height Upward force = Weight of unit charge
h above the centre of the square. What should be the 4 KQ
.cos   mg
value of Q in order that this unit charge is in equilibrium.  2 a2 
h  
 2 
 From figure (b) As the electric intensity E is acting in the vertical
direction the horizontal velocity v of the particle
 h  remains same. if y is the displacement of the particle,
cos    
2 2 in upward direction, we have
 (h  a / 2) 
1 2
y= at
2
4K Qh
3/ 2
 mg Here, y = 0.1 cm = 10–3 m, a = 1.77 × 1015 m/sec2
or  2 a2 
h   1
 2 
Thus, 10–3 = × (1.77 × 10–15) (t2)
2
3/ 2 Solving we get t = 1.063 × 10–10 second
mg  2 a 2  component of velocity in the direction of field is
or Q h  
4kh  2 given by
vy = at
= (1.77 × 1015) (1.063 × 10–10)
EXAMPLE 19 = 1.881 × 104 m/s.
A particle of mass 9 × 10–31 kg and a negative
charge of 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb projected horizontally EXAMPLE 20
with a veloicty of 105 m/s into a region between A particle having a charge of 1.6 × 10–19 C enters
two infinite horizontal parallel plates of metal. The midway between the plates of a parallel plate
distance between the plates is 0.3 cm and the condenser. The initial velocity of particle is parallel
particle enter 0.1 cm below the top plate. The top to the plates. A potential difference of 300 volts is
and bottom plates are connected respectively to the applied to the capacitor plates. If the length of the
positive and negative terminals of a 30 volt battery. capacitor plates is 10 cm and they are separated by
Find the component of the velocity of the particle 2cm. Calculate the greatest intial velocity for which
just before it hits one on the plates. the particle will not be able to come out of the plates.
Sol. We known that between two parallel plates electric The mass of the particle is 12 × 10–24 kg.
field can be given as Sol. The situation is shown in figure.
Here we know the electric field can be given as
V
E= V 300
d E =  15000 v / m
d 2 /100
Here V = 30 volt and d = 0.3 cm = 3 × 10–3 m
As the particle does not come out, its maximum
30
Thus we have E = = 104 N/C
3  10 –3 10cm
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+

Force on the particle of negative charge moving

between the plates 
m u 
F = e × E = 1.6 × 10– 19 × 104 = 1.6 × 10–15 newton q E
y=1cm
The direction of force will be towards the positive
plate i.e., upward.
Now acceleration of the particle is
deflection in vertical direction can be
eE
a= y = 1 cm = 10–2 m
m
2
or a = (1.6 × 10–15 ) / (9 × 10–31) 1 2 1 qE  l 
we known that y = at = .  
or a = 1.77 × 1015 m/sec2 2 2 m u
 qE  EXAMPLE 22
[As a = and t = ]
m u A block of mass m containing a net positive charge q
is placed on a smooth horizontal table which terminates
1 qE 2
or u2  . .x in a vertical wall as shown in figure. The distance of
2 my
the block from the wall is d. A horizontal electric field
2 'E' towards right is switched on. Assuming elastic
1 (1.6  10 –19 )(15000)  1  8
=    10 collision (if any) find the time period of resulting
2 (12  10 –24 )(10 –2 )  10 
oscillatory motion. Is it a simple harmonic motion.
u = 104 m/s
qE
Sol. Here acceleration of block is a =
EXAMPLE 21 m
A uniform electric field E is created between two Time taken by block to reach wall
parallel charged plates as shown in figure shown.
1  qE  2
An electron enter the field symmetrically between d= t
2  m 
the plates with a speed u. The length of each plate
is , find the angle of deviation of the path of the
electron as it comes out of the field. 2dm
t= qE
Sol. The situation is shown in figure. Here we know in
X-direction speed of electron remains uniform
In X direction
uX = u d
In Y direction vy initial = 0
Acceleration in y-direction of electron is
E

+ + + + + + + + +
 m
E

Velocity at the time of impact is

u
2qEd
– – – – – – – – – v= 2ad or v=
m
y When the block will rebound time taken by block in
coming to rest.

2qEd  qE 
0 – t
x
m  m

eE
a= 2qEd
m
m  2md
vyfifnal  uyint ial  at t= qE qE
m
 eE   
vy =   
 m  u  Thus time period of oscillation of block is

vy eE 2md
tan  =  u T = 2t = 2 qE
vx mu

 eE  Since the restoring force is independent of x, the

  tan –1  2  displacement from mean position, this is not a simple
 mu 
harmonic motion
EXAMPLE 23 but for umin T = 0

Find out the time period of oscillation when the bob is v mv2/R
slightly shift through an angle  from it mean position.

mg+qE
E

m,q
E u
m,q
mv 2
 mg + qE =
R
using energy conservation
wmg + wT + wE.f = k

 1 1
– mg.2R + 0 – qE. 2R = mv2 – mu2
T 2 2

Sol. qE – 4 R (mg + qE) = R (mg + qE) – mu2


 qE 
mg u  5 g  R
 m

geff = TM.D.  (mg) 2  (qE)2 3.1 Graph of electric field due to binary
m charge configuration

2
 qE  E E
 g2   
m

1. q
l q
 T  2
g eff

EXAMPLE 24
Find umin so that particle will complete vertical circle

2. –q
4q

u
m,q

Sol. Applying force balance

3. –q –q
mv 2
T + mg + qE =
R
 Kdq
or dE x  sin 
(x 2  r 2 )

KQsin 
= dx
4. q –4q L(x 2  r 2 )
Here we have x = r tan 
and dx = r sec2 d

3.2 Electric field Strength at a General Point KQ r sec2 d

Thus we have dE x  sin 
due to a Uniformly Charged Rod : L r 2 sec 2 
As shown in figure, if P is any general point in the
KQ
surrounding of rod, to find electric field strength at Strength = sin d
Lr
P, again we consider an element on rod of length dx
Net electric field strength due to dq at point P in
at a distance x from point O as shown in figure.
x-direction is

P KQ 1
1  2

E x  dE x 
Lr – sin d
2

r
KQ
or Ex   – cos  1
– 2
Lr
O
L KQ
or Ex  cos 2 – cos 1 
Lr
Now if dE be the electric field at P due to the Similarly, electric field strength at point P due to dq
element, then it can be given as in y-direction is
dEy = dE cos 
Kdq
dE 
(x 2  r 2 ) KQdx
or dEy =  cos 
L(r 2  x 2 )
Q Again we have x = r tan 
Here dq = dx
L and dx = r sec2  d
Now we resolve electric field in components. KQ r sec2 
Electric field strength in x-direction due to dq at P is Thus we have dEy = cos   2 d
L r sec2 
dEcos 
dE
KQ
= cos d
Lr

Net electric field strength at P due to dq in
dEsin y-direction is
 
KQ 1
Ey =  dE y 
Lr – cos d
r 2

KQ
or Ey =   sin  1
– 2
Lr
dx
x KQ
dEx = dE sin 
or Ey = sin 1  sin 2 
Lr
 Thus electric field at a general point in the     
Enet  Edue to 1  E due to 2  E due to 3  E due to 4
surrounding of a uniformly charged rod which
subtend angles 1 and 2 at the two corners of rod
 2 2K 4 2K  ˆ  6 2K 8 2K  ˆ
can be given as =  –  i    j
       
in ||-direction Ex

KQ –2 2K ˆ 14 2K ˆ
= L r (cos 2 – cos 1 ) = i j
 

k
= (cos 2 – cos 1 )
r EXAMPLE 26

in  -direction Ey Given an equilateral triangle with side . Find E at

the centroid. The linear charge density is as shown
KQ in figure.
= L r (sin 1  sin 2 ) A

k l l
= (sin 1  sin 2 )  *
r
C
r is the perpendicular distance of the point from the wire
–
1 and 2 should be taken in opposite sense B C
l

EXAMPLE 25 Sol. The electric field strength due to the three rods AB,
In the given arrangement of a charged square BC and CA are as shown in figure
frame find field at centre. The linear charged density  –2K
is as shown in figure E AC  (2sin 30)(cos ˆi  sin ˆj)
/ 3
2K
Sol. E.F. due to 1 = (sin 45  sin 45)iˆ  2K
 E AB  (2sin 30)(cos ˆi – sin ˆj)
/ 3
2 2K
= î  2K
 E BC  (2sin 30)ˆj
/ 3
4 2K y
E.F. due to 2 = – î

A
6 2K ˆ
E.F. due to 3 = j

–3  
3
x
C 30°
  1 2 2

B C
4 –
4    
Enet  E AC  EAB  E BC
8 2K ˆ 
E.F. due to 4 = j – ˆ
 E net  j
20 
3.3 Electric field due to infinite wire (l >> r) EXAMPLE 27
Here we have to find the electric field at point p
Consider the system shown below. If the charge is
due to the given infinite wire. Using the formula
slightly displaced perpendicular to the wire from its
learnt in above section which
equilibrium position then find out the time period of SHM.
k
E||   cos 2  cos 1 
r P
q,m
k d
E   sin 2  sin 1 
r


Sol : At equilbrium position weight of the particle is

balanced by the electric force
 P
r  mg  qE

2k
Wire mg  q ....(1)
d
Now if the particle is slightly displaced by a distance
 x (where x << d) net force on the body,
For above case, 1   2 
2
2 k q
Fnet   mg
k 2k dx
 Enet at P  (1  1) 
r r from (1)

3.4 Electric field due to semi infinite wire 2 kq 2 kq  2 kq x
Fnet  
For this case dx d d (d  x)

  2 kqx
1  , 2  0º Fnet 
2 As x << d
d2
k k
 Er  ; E| |   2kqx
r r  a
md 2

for SHM
a = –  2x

2 kq
 2 
md 2
r P
E1
Wire
2 kq
 
Enet md 2
E11

2 k 2 md 2
Enet at P  s T  2
r  2kq
3.5 Electric field du e to Uniformly The component of this field strength dE sin  which
Charged Ring : is normal to the axis of ring will be cancelled out
Case - I : At its Centre due to the ring section opposite to dl. The component
of electric field strength along the the axis of ring
Here by symmetry we can say that electric field
dE cos due to all the sections will be added up.
strength at centre due to every small segment on
Hence total electric field strength at point P due to
ring is cancelled by the electric field at centre due
the ring is
to the segment exactly opposite to it. As shown in
figure. The electric field strength at centre due to 
Ep  dE cos 
segment AB is cancelled by that due to segment
2 R
CD. This net electric field strength at the centre of Kdq x
=  2 2
(R  x )

R  x2
2
a uniformly charged ring is zero 0

2 R
KQx
B or Ep   d
A + + + + + + 0
2 R(R 2  x 2 )3/ 2
+ +
+
+
+

+
+ + + +

2 R
+ +

KQx
C = 2R(R 2  x 2 ) 3/ 2  d
+ + +

R
0
+ +

+
+

+ +
+ +
+ + + + +
D
C
2kq
3 3R2

Case II : At a Point on the Axis of Ring

For this look at the figure. There we'll find the electric R
–
2
field strength at point P due to the ring which is
R
situated at a distance x from the ring centre. For
2
this we consider a small section of length dl on ring
as shown. The charge on this elemental section is
2KQ
–
Q 3 3 R2
dq = d [Q = total charge of ring]
2R

dl
+ ++
+ KQx
[2 R]
+

=
+

2R(R 2  x 2 )3/ 2
+

+ +
+ + + + +

+ + + + +

 P
dEcos KQx

EP =
(R  x 2 )3 / 2
2
+ +

dE
dEsin
+
+

+
+

+
+ +
Q EXAMPLE 28
Due to the element dq, electric field strength dE at A thin wire ring of radius r carries a charge q. Find the
point P can be given as magnitude of the electric field strength on the axis of
the ring as function of distance l from centre. Investigate
Kdq the obtained function at l >> r. Find the maximum
dE 
(R 2  x 2 ) strength magnitude and the corresponding distance .
Sol. See figure (Modify for maximum E) Sol. Let us first find the force on a – q charge placed at
We know due to ring electric field strength at a a distance x from centre of ring along its axis.
distance  from its centre on its axis can be given Figure shows the respective situation.
as +Q+
+

+
(r 2 
 2)

+ +
+ + + + +
R
r

+ + + + +
F P
P E
x –q
O


+ +

+
+
+ +

Kq In this case force on particle P is

E ....(1)
(  r 2 )3/ 2
2
KQx
FP = – qE = – q.
(x  R 2 )3 / 2
2

1 q
For  > > r, we have E 
40 2 For small x, x << R, we can neglect x, compared to
R, we have
Thus the ring behaves like a point charge.
KqQx
dE F –
For Emax  O . From equation we get R3
d
KqQ
Acceleration of particle is a– x
 2 3  mR 3
(r   2 )3 / 2 .1 – (r 2  2 )1/ 2  2 
dE q  2
   0 [Here we have x = 1 cm and R = 1 m hence x << R
d 4 0  (r 2  2 )3  can be used]
 
This shows that particle P excutes SHM, now
comparing this acceleration with a = –2x
3 
or (r2 + 2)3/2 = (r   2 )1/ 2  2 2
2 KqQ
We get  
mR 3
r
Solving we get,  = ....(2) Thus time period of SHM is T
2
Substituting the value of  in equation (1) we get mR 3
2
 2  0.9  10 –3  (1)3
=  2
kq(r / 2 ) 2kq  KqQ 9  109  10 –5  10 –6
E =
(r 2  r 2 / 2)3/ 2 3 3 r2

= seconds
5
EXAMPLE 29
EXAMPLE 30
A thin fixed ring of radius 1 meter has a positive
A system consists of a thin charged wire ring of
charge 1 × 10–5 coulomb uniformly distributed over
radius R and a very long uniformly charged thread
it. a particle of mass 0.9 gm and having a negative
oriented along the axis of the ring with one of its
charge of 1 × 10–6 coulomb is placed on the axis at
ends coinciding with the centre of the ring. The total
distance of 1 cm from the centre of the ring. Shown
charge of the ring is equal to q. The charge of the
that the motion of the negatively charged particle
thread (per unit length) is equal to . Find the
as approximately simple harmonic. Calculate the
interaction force between the ring and the thread.
time period of oscillations.
 
Sol. Force df on the wire = dq E 2Kq sin  / 2 2Kq
E= = [Here  = ]
Kqx R 2 R 2
= 2 .dx
(x  R 2 )3 / 2

++

xdx + +
+
F = Kq  2
 x 2 )3/ 2

+
0
(R

+
d


+ + +
q  E
F = 4  R O X

+ +
0

dE

+
+

+
+ +
+  coul / m
+ + +
+
+ dx
+
+ dq  dx
x + q
` =
+ 2 2 0 R 2
+
q + R Substituting the value, we get

7  10 –10

Alternate : 2  (3.14)  (8.85  10 –12 )  (0.2) 2
2

Due to wire electric field on the points of ring in = 100 V/m

y-direction is

K 3.6 Electric field Strength due to a

Ey  Uniformly Surface Charged Disc :
R
If there is a disc of radius R, charged on its surface
Thus force on ring due to wire is
with surface charge density  coul/m2, we wish to
K Kq q find electric field strength due to this disc at a
q  
R R 4 0 R distance x from the centre of disc on its axis at
point P shown in figure.
and Ex = 0 [As cancelled out]
(Here x components of forces on small elements  coul / m2
of rings are cancelled by the x component of
dy
diametrically opposite elements.)

EXAMPLE 31
x
A thin half-ring of radius R = 20 cm is uniformly P dE
charged with a total charge q = 0.70 nC. Find the
magnitude of the electric field strength at the
curvature centre of this half-ring.
Sol. The situation is shown in figure To find electric field at point P due to this disc, we
Here the semicircular wire subtend an angle  at consider an elemental ring of radius y and width dy
the centre, we known that the electric field strength in the disc as shown in figure. Now the charge on
due to a circular arc subtending an angle  at at it this elemental ring dq can be given as
centre can be given as
 dq =  2 y dy Case (ii) : If x << R
[Area of elemental ring ds = 2y dy]
 
Now we know that electric field strength due to a E [1 – 0] 
2 0 20
ring of radius R. Charge Q at a distance x from its
centre on its axis can be given as i.e. behaviour of the disc is like infinite sheet.

KQx 3.7 Electric Field Strength due to a Uniformly

E [As done earlier]
(x 2  R 2 )3/ 2 charged Hollow Hemispherical Cup :
Here due to the elemental ring electric field strength Figure shows a hollow hemisphere, uniformly
dE at point P can be given as charged with surface charge density  coul/m2. To
find electric field strength at its centre C, we consider
Kdqx an elemental ring on its surface of angular width d
dE 
(x 2  y 2 )3/ 2 at an angle  from its axis as shown. The surface
area of this ring will be
K2ydyx ds = 2R sin  × Rd
=
(x 2  y 2 )3/ 2 Charge on this elemental ring is
dq = ds = . 2R2 sin  d
Net electric field at point P due to this disc is given
Now due to this ring electric field strength
by integrating above expression from O to R as
at centre C can be given as
R
K2 xydy Kdq(R cos )
E  dE    (x
0
2
 y 2 )3 / 2
dE 
(R 2 sin 2   R 2 cos 2 )3/ 2

R y
2y dy R sin 

= Kx (x 2  y 2 )3 / 2 2
0 l/m Rd
cou

R
 1 
= 2Kx  – 
 x  y2
2 
0
 d

c x
  x 
E = 2  1 – 2 2

0 
 x  R  d

Case : (i) If x >> R K.2R 2 sin d.R cos 

=
R3
–1/ 2
 x   R2  = K sin 2 d
E [1 – ] [1 – 1  2  ]
2 0 R 2 2 0  x  Net electric field at centre can be obtained by
x 1
x2 
integrating this expression between limits 0 to as
2
 1 R2 /2
 [1 – 1   higher order terms]
2 0 2 x2 E0 =  dE  K  sin 2d
0
2 2
 R R Q
= = = /2
4 0 x 2 4 0 x 2 4 0 x 2   cos 2   1 1 
= – 2  =  
4 0  0 4 0  2 2  4 0
i.e. behaviour of the disc is like a point charge.
EXAMPLE 32
In the given arrangement find the electric field at C m m m
(f) (f) (f)
in the figure (a). Here the U-shaped wire is uniformly
charged with linear charge density .
(i) m (i) m (i) m

1 2 (a) (b) (c)

K Consider a body of mass m being raised to a height

C C  E x1 K
a a E x2  h vertically upwards as shown in above figure. The
a
K K work done is mgh. Suppose we take the body along
 E y1  Ey 2
a a
(a) 2K the path as in (b). The work done during horizontal
Ey 3 
a motion is zero. Adding up the works done in the
two vertical path of the paths, we get the result
3 mgh once again. Any arbitrary path like the one
(b) shown in (c) can be broken into elementary
horizontal and vertical portions. Work done along
Sol. The electric field due to the three parts of U-shaped
wire are shown in figure (b). Thus we have the horizontal path is zero. The work done along
the vertical parts add up to mgh. Thus we conclude

E net  (E x1  E x 2 )iˆ  (E y1  E y2  E y3 )iˆ that the work done in raising a body against gravity
is independent of the path taken. It only depends
  K K  ˆ  2K K K  ˆ upon the intial and final positions of the body. We
E net   – i – – j0
 a a   a a a  conclude from this discussion that the force of gravity

Thus E.F. due to given arrangement at C = 0 is a conservative force.

Note Examples of Conservative forces.

(i) Gravitational force, not only due to Earth due in its
general form as given by the universal law of
gravitation, is a conservative force.
Section C - Electrostatic potential energy, (ii) Elastic force in a stretched or compressed spring is
Question Based on energy a conservative force.
conservation and Angular
Momentum conservation, (iii) Electrostatic force between two electric charges is
Potential energy for a system a conservative force.
of charged particles
(iv) Magnetic force between two magnetic poles is a
conservative forces.
4. CONSERVATIVE FORCE
Forces acting along the line joining the centres of
A force is said to be conservative if work done by
two bodies are called central forces. Gravitational
or against the force in moving a body depends only
force and Electrosatic forces are two important
on the initial and final positions of the body and not
examples of central forces. Central forces are
on the nature of path followed between the initial
conservative forces.
and final positions.
 Properties of Conservative forces EXAMPLE 34
• Work done by or against a conservative force An object is displaced from position vector
depends only on the initial and final positions  
of the body. r1  (2 ˆi  3ˆj)m to r2  (4 ˆi  6ˆj)m under a force
• Work done by or against a conservative force does 
F  (3x 2 iˆ  2yˆj)N . Find the work done by this force.
not depend upon the nature of the path between
 
initial and final positions of the body. rfr2

If the work done by a force in moving a body from Sol. W  F.dr  (3 x 2 î  2yĵ)  (dx î  dyĵ  dzk̂ )
 

an initial location to a final location is independent ri r1
of the path taken between the two points, then the

force is conservative. r2
2 3
• Work done by or against a conservative force in a =  (3x dx  2ydy)  [x  y 2 ](4,6)
(2,3)  83J

round trip is zero. r1

If a body moves under the action of a force that

IIIrd format (perfect differential format)
does no total work during any round trip, then the
force is conservative; otherwise it is non- EXAMPLE 35
conservative. 
If F  yiˆ  xjˆ then find out the work done in moving
The concept of potential energy exists only in the
case of conservative forces. the particle from position (2, 3) to (5, 6)

• The work done by a conservative force is completely Sol. dw = F.ds
recoverable.
dw = (yiˆ  xj).(dxi
ˆ ˆ  dyj)
ˆ
Complete recoverability is an important aspect of
the work of a conservative force. dw = ydx + xdy
• Work done by conservative forces Now ydx + xdy = d(xy) (perfect differential equation)
 dw = d(xy)
Ist format : (When constant force is given) for total work done we integrate both side
EXAMPLE 33
Calculate the work done to displace the particle from  dw   d(xy)

(1, 2) to (4, 5). if F  4 ˆi  3ˆj Put xy = k
   then at (2, 3) ki = 2 × 3 = 6
Sol. dw = F.d r ( dr  dxi  dyj  dzk ) at (5, 6) kf = 5 × 6 = 30
dw = (4 î  3 ĵ ).(dx î  dyĵ  dzk̂ ) 30
30
 dw = 4dx + 3dy then w=  dk  k 
6
6

w 4 5
 w = (30 – 6) = 24 Joule
0
dw = 
1
4dx +  3dy
2
4.1 NON-CONSERVATIVE FORCES :
4 5
 w = 4 x1  3 y2 A force is said to be non-conservative if work done
w = (16 – 4) + (15 – 6) by or against the force in moving a body depends
 w = 12 + 9 = 21 Joule upon the path between the initial and final positions.
The frictional forces are non-conservative forces.
II format : (When F is given as a function of x, y, z) This is because the work done against friction
 depends on the length of the path along which a
If F  Fx iˆ  Fy ˆj  Fz kˆ
body is moved. It does not depend only on the initial
then and final positions. Note that the work done by
fricitional force in a round trip is not zero.
dw = (Fx iˆ  Fy ˆj  Fz k).(dxi
ˆ ˆ  dyjˆ  dzk)
ˆ
The velocity-dependent forces such as air
 dw = Fxdx + Fydy + FZdz resistance, viscous force, magnetic force etc., are
non conservative forces.
EXAMPLE 36 5. ELECTR OS TATIC P OTENTIAL
 ENERGY :
Calculate the work done by the force F  yiˆ to
(a) Electrostatic Potential Energy :
move the particle from (0, 0) to (1, 1) in the following Potential energy of a system of particles is defined
condition only in conservative fields. As electric field is also
(a) y = x (b) y = x2 conservative, we define potential energy in it. Before
Sol. We know that proceeding further, we should keep in mind the

dw = F.ds  dw = (yi) ˆ .(dx i ) following points, which are useful in understanding
dw = ydx ...(1) potential energy in electric fields.
In equation (1) we can calculate work done only (i) Doing work implies supply of energy
when we know the path taken by the particle. (ii) Energy can neither be transferred nor be
either transformed into any other form without doing work
y = x or y = x2 so now (iii) Kinetic energy implies utilization of energy where
(a) when y = x as potential energy implies storage of energy
1 (iv) Whenever work is done on a system of bodies,
 dw   xdx0 the supplied energy to the system is either used in
form of KE of its particles or it will be stored in the
1
 w= Joule system in some form, increases the potential energy
2
of system.
(b) when y = x2 (v) When all particles of a system are separated
1
2 far apart by infinite distance there will be no
 dw   x dx
0
interaction between them. This state we take as
reference of zero potential energy.
1 Now potential energy of a system of particles we
 w= Joule
3 define as the work done in assembling the system
Difference between conservative and Non- in a given configuration against the interaction forces
conservative forces of particles.
S. Conservative Non-Conservative • Electrostatic potential energy is defined in two ways.
No. forces forces
(i) Interaction energy of charged particles of a system.
Work done does not Work done depends
1 (ii) Self energy of a charged object (will be discussed later)
depend upon path on path.
Work done in a (b) Electrostatic Interaction Energy :
Work done in round
2 round trip is not Electrostatic interaction energy of a system of
trip is zero.
zero.
charged particles is defined as the external work
Forces are velocity-
3 Central in nature. dependent and required to assemble the particles from infinity to a
retarding in nature. given configuration.
When only a When some charged particles are at infinite
conservative force separation, their potential energy is taken zero as
acts within a system,
no interaction is there between them. When these
the kinetic energy Work done against a
charges are brought close to a given configuration,
and potential energy non-c onservative
4 can change. force may be external work is required if the force between these
However their sum, dissipated as heat particles is repulsive and energy is supplied to the
the mechanical energy. system hence final potential energy of system will
energy of the be positive. If the force between the particles is
system, does not
attractive work will be done by the system and final
change.
Work done is Work done is not
potential energy of system will be negative.
5 completely completely Let us take some illustrations to understand this
rec overable. recoverable. concept in detail.
(c) Interaction Energy of a System of Two Charged Sol. As here the particle at rest is free to move, when one
Particles : particle approaches the other, due to electrostatic
x repulsion other will also start moving and so the velocity
of first particle will decrease while of other will
q1 r q2 dx F
increase and at closest approach both will move with
Figure shows two +ve charges q1 and q2 separated same velocity. So if v is the common velocity of each
by a distance r. The electrostatic interaction energy particle at closest approach, then by 'conservation of
of this system can be given as work done in bringing momentum' of the two protons system.
q2 from infinity to the given separation from q1. If 1
can be calculated as mu = mv + mv i.e., v u
2
r  r
Kq1q 2 And by conservation of energy
W  F .dx  –
x2  dx
  1 1 1 1 e2
mu 2  mv 2  mv 2 
2 2 2 4 0 r
[–ve sign shows that x is decreasing]

Kq1q 2 1 u
2
1 e2
W= =U  mu 2 – m   
r 2  2 4 0 r
[Interaction energy]
If the two charges here are of opposite sign, the u
[as v = ]
potential energy will be negative as 2

Kq1q 2 1 e2
U=–  mu 2 
r 4 40 r
EXAMPLE 37
e2
Find out speed of particles when separation between  r
m0 u 2
them is r.

Released
+q –q EXAMPLE 39
m 2m
Two fixed equal positive charges, each of magnitude
2r 5 × 10–5 C are located at points A and B, separated
Sol. Energy conservation : by a distance of 6 m. An equal and opposite charge
moves towards them along the line COD, the
kq1q 2 1 1 kq q perpendicular bisector of the line AB. The moving
0  mv12  2mv 22  1 2
2r 2 2 r charge, when it reaches the point C at a distance of
Momentum conservation 4 m from O, has a kinetic energy of 4 joules. Calculate
(as E.F is action-reaction pair) the distance of the farthest point D which the negative
charge will reach before returning towards C.
v1
mv1 = 2mv2  v 2 
2
+q A

EXAMPLE 38 3m
–q
A proton moves from a large distance with a speed u D x O 4m C
m/s directly towards a free proton originally at rest. 3m
Find the distance of closest approach for the two
+q B
protons in terms of mass of proton m and its charge e.
 Sol. The kinetic energy is lost and converted to Sol.
electrostatic potential energy of the system as the F
negative charge goes from C to D and comes to +
rest at D instantaneously. F v
Loss of K.E. = Gain in potential energy + rmin
q,m
4 = Uf – Ui
d
 q.q  +
2q(–q) q.q 2q(–q)
or, 4 2
 – 
 4  0 (6) 4 0 9  x 2  40 (6)2 Here we can see that as +q moves toward +Q, a
repulsive force acts on –q radially outward +Q. Here
as the line of action of force passes through the fix
 q.q 2q(–q)   q.q 2q(–q)  charge, no torque act on +q relative to the fix point
4 2
 – 2
 
 4  0 (6) 4 2
9 x   4  0 (6) 4  0 9  16 
 charge +Q, thus here we can say that with respect
to +Q, the angular momentum of +q must remain
constant. Here we can say that +q will be closest
2q 2 1 1  to +Q when it is moving perpendicularly to the line
or, 4  – 
4 0  5 9  x 2  joining the two charges as shown.
If the closest separation in the two charges is rmin,
from conservation of angular momentum we can write
1 1  mvd = mv0 rmin ...(1)
or, 4 = 2 × (5 × 10–5)2 × (9 × 109)  5 – 
 9  x 2  Now from energy conservation, we have
1 1 KqQ
45 mv 2  mv 20 
or, 49– 2 2 rmin
9  x2
vd
 x  72  8.48m Here we use from equation (1) v0 = r
min

5.1 Motion of a Charge Particle and Angular 1 1 d 2 KqQ

Momentum Conservation : or mv 2  mv 2 2  ...(2)
2 2 rmin rmin
We know that a system of particles when no
Solving equation (2) we'll get the value of rmin.
external torque acts, the total angular momentum
of system remains conserved. Consider following
5.2 Potential Energy for a System of
examples which explains the concept for moving charged Particles :
charged particles.
q1

EXAMPLE 40
Figure shows a charge +Q fixed at a position in space. r3 r2
From a large distance another charge particle of
charge +q and mass m is thrown toward +Q with an
impact parameter d as shown with speed v. find the q2 r1 q3
distance of closest approach of the two particles. When more than two charged particles are there in
a system, the interaction energy can be given by sum
V of interaction energy of all the pairs of particles. For
+
example if a system of three particles having charges
q,m
d q1, q2 and q3 is given as shown in figure. The total
interaction energy of this system can be given as
+ Kq1q 2 Kq1q 3 Kq 2 q 3
U  
Q r3 r2 r1
fixed
• Derivation for a system of point charges :
U
(i) Keep all the charges at infinity. Now bring the V = q joule/coulomb
0
charges one by one to its corresponding position
and find work required. PE of the system is algebric As potential energy of a charge in electric field is
sum of all the works. defined as work done in bringing the charge from
Let W1 = work done in bringing first charge infinity to the given point in electric field. Similarly
W2 = work done in bringing second charge against we can define electric potential as "work done in
force due to 1st charge bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to the
W3 = work done in bringing third charge against given point against the electric forces."
force due to 1st and 2nd charge. • Properties :
PE = W1 + W 2 + W3 + .................. (This will (i) Potential is a scalar quantity, its value may be
n(n – 1) n positive, negative or zero.
contain = C2 terms)
2 joule
(ii) Method of calculation (to be used in problems) (ii) S.I. Unit of potential is volt = and its
coulomb
U = sum of the interaction energies of the charges.
dimensional formula is [M1L2T–3I–1].
= (U 12 + U 13 + ........+ U 1n ) + (U 23 + U 24 +
(iii) Electric potential at a point is also equal to the
..............+U2n) + (U34 + U35 + .........U3n) ........
negative of the work done by the electric field in
(iii) Method of calculation useful for symmetrical point
taking the point charge from reference point (i.e.
charge systems.
infinity) to that point.
Find PE of each charge due to rest of the charges.
(iv) Electric potential due to a positive charge is always
If U1 = PE of first charge due to all other charges.
= (U12 + U13 + .........+ U1n) positive and due to negative charge it is always
U2 = PE of second charges due to all other charges. negativeexcept at infinity. (taking V =0)
= (U21 + U23 + ..........+U2n) (v) Potential decreases in the direction of electric field.

U1  U 2  ..... (a) Electric Potential due to a Point Charge in its

U = PE of the system = Surrounding :
2
We know the region surrounding a charge is electric
field. Thus we can also define electric potential in the
Note
surrounding of a point charge. The potential at a point
P at a distance x from the charge q can be given as

Section D - Electric Potential, Relation P

between E and V, Potential due
to point charge, Rod, Ring, disc, x
Question Based on Electric field
intensity, and electric potential,
Questions Based on electric q
field lines

6. ELECTRIC POTENTIAL :
Electric potential is a scalar property of every point U
Vp = q
in the region of electric field. At a point in electric 0

field, electric potential is defined as the interaction Where U is the potential energy of charge q0, if
energy of a unit positive charge. placed at point P, which can be given as
If at a point in electric field a charge q0 has potential
energy U, then electric potential at that point can Kqq 0
U=
be given as x
 Thus potential at point P is
Kdq
dV 
Kq R
VP 
x
Q
The above result is valid only for electric potential in + + +
+ + +
the surrounding of a point charge. If we wish to find + +

+
electric potential in the surrounding of a charged

+ +
+ + +
extended body, we first find the potential due to an R

+ + +
elemental charge dq on body by using the above result dq
C

+ +
and then integrate the expression for the whole body.

+
+
+
+ +
(b) Electric Potential due to a Charge Rod : + +
+ +
+
Figure shows a charged rod of length L, uniformly
charged with a charge Q. Due to this we will find Total potential at C is V  dV 
electric potential at a point P at a distance r from
one end of the rod shown in figure shown. Kdq KQ
=  R

R
x As all dq's of the ring are situated at same distance
dx
Q + + + + + + + + ++ ++ R from the ring centre C, simply the potential due
r P
L to all is added as being a scalar quantity, we can
For this we consider an element of width dx at a distance directly say that the electric potential at ring centre
x from the point P. Charge on this element is
KQ
Q is . Here we can also state that even if charge
dq = dx R
L
Q is non-uniformly distributed on ring, the electric
The potential dV due to this element at point P can
be given by using the result of a point charge as potential at C will remain same.

Kdq KQ
dV = = dx Case II : At a Point on Axis of Ring
x Lx
If we wish to find the electric potential at a point P
Net electric potential at point P can be given as
on the axis of ring as shown, we can directly state
rL
KQ the result as here also all points of ring are at same
V=  dV   Lx
dx
distance
r x 2  R 2 from the point P, thus the

KQ potential at P can be given as

= [n x]rr  L
L + +
+
+

KQ  r  L 
+ +
+ + + + +

= n  
L  r 
+ + + + +

R
x P
(c) Electric Potential due to a Charged Ring :
+ +

Case I : At its centre

+
+

To find potential at the centre C of the ring, we first + +

find potential dV at centre due to an elemental charge
dq on ring which is given as KQ
VP =
R  x2
2
 GRAPH EXAMPLE 41
Consider the following rod & find the potential due
v to it at P
OP = d, x = d tan , dx = d sec2 d

kdx
dV 
d sec 
x
/ 4
kd sec 2 d
  dV  
–/ 4
d sec 

(d) Electric Potential due to a Uniformly Charged Disc

Figure shows a uniformly charged disc of radius R
dx
with surface charge density  coul/m2. To find x  45°
electric potential at point P we consider an elemental O P
d 45°
ring of radius y and width dy, charge on this c / m
elemental ring is
dq = . 2y dy
Due to this ring, the electric potential at point P can / 4

be given as V  k  sec  d
–/ 4

Kdq K..2ydy
dV  = V = k [l n(sec   tan )]– /4/ 4
2 2
x y x 2  y2
V = k [ln ( 2 + 1)] – k [ln ( 2 – 1)]

 2 1
 coul / m2
V = k l n   = k ln( 2  1)2
 2 –1

R
y x P EXAMPLE 42
Find min velocity v0 such that particle cross the ring.
dy

R
v0 P
qin
Net electric potential at point P due to whole disc R
can be given as
R
 ydy kQ
V=  dV =  2 .
0 0
2
x y 2 Sol. Potential at P =
2R

Applying energy conservation

 R
= 2   x  y 
2 2
1 kQq kqQ
0  0 mv 20  0
2 2R R
 2 2
VP = 2  [ x  R – x]
0 2kQq  1 
 v0  1  
mR  2
EXAMPLE 43
From  APB, we have
P
A ring of radius R is having two charges q and 2q
distributed on its two half parts. Find the electric r

A 
potential at a point on its axis at a distance 2 2 R B

from its centre.

Sol.
Q
q
+ + r = 2R cos 
+
or, dr = – 2R sin  d
+

+
+ +

Hence
+ + + + +

R
+ + + + +

–4R sin d

dV 
2 2R P 4 0
+ +

0
R sin 
+
+

+ + V– 
/2
 0
d
2q
Distance of P from periphery of ring is
R R
– | – θ cos   sin  |0 / 2  ....(19C)
R 2  (2 2R) 2  3R  0  0

Electric potential = Potential due to upper half 7. RELATION BETWEEN ELECTRIC

+ Potential due to lower half FIELD INTENSITY AND ELECTRIC
POTENTIAL :
Kq 2Kq 3Kq Kq
=    (a) For uniform electric field :
3R 3R 3R R
B

(e) Electric potential due to a closed disc at a point

A
on the edge
Let us calculate the potential at the edge of a thin (i) Potential difference between two points A and B
disc of radius 'R' carrying a uniformly distributed  
VB – VA = – E.AB
charge with surface density .
(b) Non uniform electric field
Let AB be a diameter and A be a point where the
potential is to be calculated. From A as centre, we V V V
(i) Ex  – , Ey  – , Ez  –
draw two arcs of radii r and r + dr as shown. The x y z
infinitesimal region between these two arcs is an 
 E  E x ˆi  E y ˆj  E z kˆ
element whose area is dA = (2r) dr, where 2 is
the angle subtended by this element PQ at the point
    
A. Potential at A due to the element PQ is  – iˆ V  ˆj V  kˆ V
  x  y  z 

dA 2rdr 2dr

dV      ˆ  ˆ  
4 0 r 4 0 r 40  – ˆi j  k  V = –  V = – grad V
 x y z
 V EXAMPLE 45
Where  x = derivative of V with respect to x

For given E  2xiˆ  3yjˆ find the potential at (x, y)
(keeping y and z constant)
if V at origin is 5 volts.
V
 y = derivative of V with respect to y (keeping z v
 x y

and x constant)
Sol. 
5
 
0

dV  – E.dr  – E x dx – E y dy
0

V
 z = derivative of V with respect to z (keeping x 2x 2 3y 2
 V–5= – –
2 2
and y constant)

(c) If electric potential and electric field depends 2x 2 3y 2

 V– – 5
only on one coordinate, say r : 2 2

 V
(i) E– rˆ
r EXAMPLE 46

where r̂ is a unit vector along increasing r.. The electric potential in a region is represented as
  V = 2x + 3y – z. Obtain expression for the electric
(ii)  
dV  – E.dr
field strength.
rB
Sol. We know
 
 
VB – VA = – E.dr
rA   V ˆ V ˆ V ˆ 
E  – i j k
  x y z 
dr is along the increasing direction of r..
(iii) The potential of a point
V 
Here,  [2x  3y – z]  2
 
r x x

V  – E.dr

V 
 [2x  3y – z]  3
Area under E - x curve gives negative of change in y y
potential.
Negative of slope of V - x curve gives the electric
V 
field at that point.  [2x  3y – z]  –1
z z

EXAMPLE 44 
 E  –(2iˆ  3jˆ – k)
ˆ

V = x2 + y, Find E .

V V V 8. ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE

Sol.  2x ,  1 and 0
x y z
The idea of electric lines of force or the electric
field lines introduced by Michael Faraday is a way
  V ˆ V ˆ V 
E  –  ˆi j k ˆ ˆ
  –(2xi  j) to visualize electrostatic field geometrically. The
  x  y  z 
properties of electric lines of force are the following
Electric field is nonuniform.
(i) The electric lines of force are continous curves in (v) The number of electric lines of force that originate
an electric field starting from a positively charged from or terminate on a charge is proportional to the
body and ending on a negatively charged body. magnitude of the charge.
(vi) As number of lines of force per unit area normal to
the area at point represents magnitude of intensity,
crowded lines represent strong field while distant
+ lines weak field. Further, if the lines of force are
equidistant straight lines, the field is uniform

Electric lines of force due

to positive charge

Magnitude is Direction is
not constant not constant

Electric lines of force due

Both magnitude and Both magnitude and
to negative charge direction not constant direction constant
(ii) The tangent to the curve at any point gives the
direction of the electric field intensity at that point.
(iii) Electric lines of force never intersect since if they
cross at a point, electric field intensity at the point
will have two directions, which is not possible. +Q
O Q+
(iv) Electric lines of force do not pass but leave or end
on a charged conductor normally. Suppose the lines
of force are not perpendicular to the conductor
surface. In this situation, the component of electric
field parallel to the surface would cause the
Electric lines of force due to two equal positive
electrons to move and hence conductor will not
charges (field is zero at O). O is a null point
remain equipotential which is an absurd as in
A charge particle need not follow an ELOF.
electrostatics conductor is an equipotential surface.
Electric lines of force produced by static charges
do not form close loop.

EXAMPLE 47
If number of electric lines of force from charge q
+
are 10 then find out number of electric lines of force
from 2q charge.
Sol. No. of ELOF  charge

q ' N' 2q
  N =  10  20
q 10 q
Fixed point charge near
infinite metal plate So number of ELOF will be 20.
EXAMPLE 48 (ii) Electric lines of force start and end normally on the
surface of a conductor.
A solid metallic sphere is placed in a uniform electric
(iii) Electric lines of force do not exist inside a conductor,
field. Which of the lines A, B, C and D shows the
correct representation of lines of force and why ? the lines of force are shown in the adjacent figure.

Note
A

C
Section E - Equipotential surface
D
9. EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACES :
Sol. (D)
As shown in figure if a charge is shifted from a
The line (A) is wrong as lines of force start or end
point A to B on a surface. M which is perpendicular
normally on the surface of a conductor and here it is
to the direction of electric field, the work done in
not so. Line (B) and (C) are wrong as lines of force
shifting will obviously, be zero as electric force is
does not exist inside a conductor and here it is not so.
normal to the direction of displacement. As no work
Also lines of force are not normal to the surface of the
is done in moving from A to B, we can say that A
conductor. Line (D) represents the correct situation,
and B are at same potetials or we can say that all
as here line of force does not exist inside the conductor
the points of surface M are at same potential or
and start and end normally on its surface.
here we call surface M as equipotential surface.

EXAMPLE 49
M
A metallic slab is introduced between the two
charged parallel plates as shown below. Sketch the
B
electric lines of force between the plates.

+ –
A
+ – E

+ –

+ –
Following figures show equipotential surfaces in the
+ – surrounding of point charge and a long charged wire

Sol. Keeping in mind that

(i) Electric lines of force start from positive charge
and end on negative charge.
+ – + –
– q
+ – +
– –
+ – + –
– –
+ +

– + – Point charge
+
– Spherical equipotential surfaces
– +
 + r2 r2
2K
+
+
Vx – Vy  Edx = r1

r1
x
dx
+
+
+  r2 
+ VX – VY = 2K n  r 
+  1
+
+ EXAMPLE 50
+
+ Write down the Electric field in vector form ?
+
+ 40
Line charge 20
Cylindrical equipotential surfaces
A 0
Every surface in electric field in which at every 60°
point direction of electric field is normal to the 10cm
surface can be regarded as equipotential surface. B
Figure shows two equipotential surfaces in a
uniform electric field E. If we wish to find the
potential difference between two points A and B
shown in figure, we simply find the potential Sol. vA – vB = E × 0.1 × cos 30°
difference between the two equipotential surfaces
3 400
on which the points lie, given as 20 = E × 0.1 ×  E=
2 3
VA – VB = Ed

d M1 M2
400
cos 30  200
r2 3
+
+ Y
B + 30°
+ x 200 400
 sin 30 
+ E 3 3
+ 400
A X
+ r1 3
E +
200 ˆ
M1 M2 E.F. = 200iˆ  j
 coul / m 3
Figure shows a line charge with linear charge density
 coul/m. Here we wish to find potential difference
EXAMPLE 51
between two points X and Y which lie on
Find out equipotential surface where potential is zero ?
equipotential surfaces M1 & M2. To find the potential
difference between these surfaces, we consider a (x,y,z)
point P at a distance x from wire as shown. The
electric field at point P is (–a,0) (a,0)
2K –2q +q
E
x
Now the potential difference between surface M1
and M2 can be given as
 Here we wish to find the electric field at point P
–2kq kq
Sol.  0 having coordinates (r, o) (where r >> 2a). Due to
(x  a)2  y 2  z 2 (x  a)2  y 2  z 2 positive charge of dipole electric field at P is in
outward direction & due to negative charge it is in
kq 2kq inward direction.


2 2 2
(x  a)  y  z (x  a) 2  y 2  z 2 kq kq 4kqar
Enet at P = 2
– 2 = 2
squaring both sides (r – a) (r  a) (r – a 2 )2
1 4 
 As P  2aq
2 2 2 2 2 2
(x  a)  y  z (x  a)  y  z
2kpr
 Enet at P =
Note (r 2 – a 2 )2
As r >> 2a
 we can neglect a w.r.t. r

2kp
Section F - Electric field and electric Enet at P =
r3
potential due to electric dipole,
Dipole in electric field (Torque, As we can observe that for axial point direction of
potential energy), Angular SHM field is in direction of dipole moment
for dipole, Force on electric
dipole in Non-uniform electric

 2k p
field Vectorially, E  3
r
10. ELECTRIC DIPOLE : (2) At an equatorial point.
Again we consider the dipole placed along the x-axis
A system of two equal and opposite charges separated & we wish to find, electric field at point P which is
by a small distance is called electric dipole, shown in situated equatorially at a distance r (where r >> 2a)
figure. Every dipole has a characteristic property called from origin. Vertical component of the electric field
dipole moment. It is defined as the product of vectors cancel out each other.
magnitude of either charge and the separation between
the charges is given as. kq
 Enet at P = 2 E cos  [where E = ]
r2  a2
p=qd
2kq a
Enet at P = r 2  a 2 . 2
d r  a2
p
–q +q  a 
cos   2 
Dipole moment is a vector quantity and convensionally  r  a 2 
its direction is given from negative pole to positive pole.
(a) Electric field due to a Dipole kq
(1) At an axial point r 2  a2
Figure shows an electric dipole placed on x-axis at origin
kq 
kq Enet P
2
(r  a) (r – a)2 kq
r 2  a2
–q +q
P
r
O
(–a, 0) (a, 0)
r q
–q 
2a O
(–a,0) (a,0)
 (c) Electric potential due to a dipole.
2kqa kp
E net  = 2 (As p = 2aq) 1. At an axial point
(r 2  a 2 )3/ 2 (r  a 2 )3/ 2

As we have already stated that r > > 2a (–a,0) (a,0)

O P
kp –q q
 Enet at P = 3
r
r
We can observe that the direction of dipole moment &
(r >> 2a)
electric field due to dipole at P are in opposite direction.
We wish to find out potential at P due to dipole
 Vectorially
(with p = 2aq)

 –k P kq kq
E 3 Vnet  
r (r – a) (r  a)

(b) Electric field at a general Point due to a dipole

Figure shows a electric dipole place on x-axis at 2akq
Vnet 
origin & we wish to find out the electric field at (r 2  a 2 )
point P with coordinate (r, )
kp
KP sin Vnet = (As P = 2aq)
r3 r2
2KP cos 
3 2. At a point on perpendicular bisector
P (r, ) r
At an equatorial point, electric potential due to dipole
Pcos  is always zero because potential due to +ve charge

–q

+q is cancelled by –ve charge.
P sin
P

v=0
Enet at r

2 2
 2KP cos    KP sin   –q +q
Enet =    
 r3   r
3


kP (3) Potential due to dipole at a general Point

 1  3cos2 
r3

P
kpsin 
r
r3
tan = 2kp cos  Pcos

r3 Enet –q q

KP sin 
tan  p Psin
tan = 3
r 2KP cos
2
 r3

 tan   kpcos 
  tan –1   Potential at P due to dipole =
 2  r2
• BASIC TORQUE CONCEPT Sol. A  2Fl 
  
  rF C  2Fl 
 If the net transational force on the body is zero then the
torque of the forces may or may not be zero but net B  Fl  Fl  2Fl 
torque of the forces about each point of universe is same
 If we have to prove that a body is in equilibrium then 11.1 Potential Energy of a Dipole in
 Uniform Electric Field
first we will prove Fnet is equal to zero & after that
When a dipole in an electric field at an angle , the
we will show net about any point is equal to zero.
torque on it due to electric field is
 If the body is free to rotate then it will rotate about
the axis passing through centre of mass & parallel   p sin 
to torque vector direction & of the body is hinged In the figure shown, the torque is in clockwise
then it will rotate about hinged axis. direction. If we rotate the dipole in anticlockwise
direction from an angle 1 and 2 slowly, we have
11. DIPOLE IN UNIFORM ELECTRIC to apply an anticlockwise equal torque, then the work
FIELD : done in process will be given as
Figure shows a dipole of dipole moment p placed at
an angle  to the direction of electric field. Here the 
W  dW  d 
charges of dipole experience forces q in opposite
direction as shown. 2

+q
 =  p sin d
1
q

d  d sin 
+q
q

q 2
–q q
+q
thus we can state that when a dipole is placed in a 1
uniform electric field, net forces on the dipole is q
–q
zero. But as equal and opposite forces act with a
separation in their line of action, they produce a q
couple which tend to align the dipole along the –q
direction of electric field. The torque due to this
couple can be given as  = Force × separation
between lines of action of forces  p[ cos ]12
= q × d sin  = psin 
 p (cos 1  cos 2 )
or vectorially we can write the torque on dipole is
   Wexternal foce = –Welectricforce
  p 
 Welectric field = – pE (cos 1 – cos 2)
As we know that for conservative forces
EXAMPLE 52 W.D. = – U
Write down torque about A, B, C U = pE (cos1 – cos 2)
C F U 2 – U 1  (–pE cos 2 – pE cos 1 )
A.O.R  We can generalise that
U = – pE cos 
B 2l In vector notation we can write potential energy of
dipole in electric field is

F U = –p.E
A
[where potential energy at  = 90° = 0]
11.2 Stable and Unstable equilibrium of a Here at   0 , potential energy of dipole in electric
Dipole in Electric Field : field is minimum which favours the position of stable
We’ve discussed that when a dipole in an electric equilibrium.
field E, the potential energy of dipole can be given as Similarly when  = 180º, net torque on dipole is zero
U   p cos  and potential energy of dipole in this state is given as
We also know that the net torque on a dipole in U  p (maximum)
electric field can be given as Thus at  = 180º, dipole is in unstable equilibrium.
  p sin 
This can also be shown by figure(b). From equilibrium
position if dipole is slightly displaced in anticlockwise
It shows that net torque on dipole in electric field is
direction, we can see that torque on dipole also acts
zero in two situations when   0 º and   180 º in anticlockise direction away from equilirbium
as shown in figure position. Thus here dipole is in unstable equilibrium.

11.3 Angular SHM or Dipole

qE When a dipole is suspended in a uniform electric
+
field, it will align itself parallel to the field.
Now if it is given a small angular displacement 
– + about its equilibrium, the (restoring) couple will be
C = – pE sin
qE – or, C = – pE  [as sin  , for small ]

d2
or, I  pE
(a) dt 2

d 2 pE
or,  
dt 2 I

qE d 2
– or,  2 
dt 2
+ – 2 pE
where  
I
+ qE
This is standard equation of angular simple harmonic

 2 
motion with time-period T    . So the dipole
(b)  
will execute angular SHM with time-period
We can see that when   0 as shown in figure(a) I
when torque on dipole is zero, the dipole is in T  2 ...(33)
pE
equilibrium. We can verify that here equilibrium is
stable. If we slightly tilt the dipole from its equilibrium EXAMPLE 53
position in anticlockwise direction as shown by dotted Find out the angular frequency of the dipole when
position. The dipole experiences a clockwise torque it crosses the mean position.
which tend the dipole to rotate back to its equilibrium
position. This shows that at   0 , dipole is in stable +q
equilibrium. We can also find the potential energy of 2l 
37°
dipole at   0 , it can by given as E

U  p (minimum) –q
 1 2
Sol. 0 – PE cos 37° = I d
2

1 2 PE 
I 
2 5
d

2ml 2 2 2ql .E 2qE

.   
2 5 5ml Here that dipole moment of system is
Pnet = 2 qd cos /2
Now
11.4 Force on an Electric Dipole in Non-
  d
uniform Electric Field : F  Pnet .
If in a non-uniform electric field dipole is placed at dx

a point where electric field is , the interaction energy For maximum force, the angle between Pnet and
of dipole at this point can be given as 
  d
U   p.  is 0º
dx
Now the force on dipole due to electric field can be
given as
+
F  – U +
+
For unidirectional variation in electric field, we have +
 + Pnet  2qd cos  / 2
d   +
F  – (p.  )
dx +
+
If dipole is placed in the direction of electric field, +
we have +

d
F –p
dx
 d  2k 
Fmax  2qd cos  
2 dx  x 
EXAMPLE 54
A water molecule is placed at a distance  from the   1 
or Fmax  2qd cos  2 k    2 
line carrying linear charge density . Find the 2  x 
maximum force exerted on the water molecule. The
 4K q d  cos  / 2
shape of water molecule and the partial charges on 
x2
H and O atoms as shown in figure.
 4 K q d  cos  / 2
| Fmax | 
+q x2
H
 4 K q d  cos  / 2
Fmax 
–2q 2
 O

d
Note
H

+q

Sol. The figure can be resolved as combination of 2

dipoles. Dipole moments of eachp = qd.
Exercise - 1 Objective Problems | JEE Main
Section A - Coloumb's law, Electrostatic 5. When the distance between two charged particle is
Equillibrium + Properties of halved, the force between them becomes -
Charge
1. One quantum of charge should be at least be equal (A) One fourth (B) One half
to the charge in coloumb: (C) Double (D) Four times
(A) 1.6 × 10–17 c. (B) 1.6 × 10–19 c.
(C) 1.6 × 10 –10 c. (D). 4.8 × 10–10 c. 6. Two small balls having equal positive charge Q
(Coulomb) on each are suspended by two insulating
2. An electron at rest has a charge of 1.6 × 10–19 C. It strings of equal length 'L' metre, from a hook fixed to a
starts moving with a velocity v = c/2, where c is the stand. The whole set up is taken in a satellite in to space
speed of light, then the new charge on it is -
where there is no gravity (state of weight lessness) Then
(A) 1.6 × 10–19 Coulomb
the angle () between the two strings is -
2 (A) 0º (B) 90º
1
(B) 1.6 × 10–19 1    Coulomb
(C) 180º (D) 0º <  < 180º
2

2
 2 7. Two point charges in air at a distance of 20 cm.
(C) 1.6 × 10–19    1 Coulomb
1 from each other interact with a certain force. At
what distance from each other should these charges
1.6  1019 be placed in oil of relative permittivity 5 to obtain
(D) Coulomb the same force of interaction –
2
1
1  (A) 8.94 × 10–2 m (B) 0.894 × 10–2 m
2 –2
(C) 89.4 × 10 m (D) 8.94 × 102 m

3. Which one of the following statement regarding 8. A certain charge Q is divided at first into two parts,
electrostatics is wrong ? (q) and (Q-q). Later on the charges are placed at a
(A) Charge is quantized certain distance. If the force of interaction between
(B) Charge is conserved
the two charges is maximum then-
(C) There is an electric field near an isolated charge
(A) (Q/q) = (4/1) (B) (Q/q) = (2/1)
at rest
(D) A stationary charge produces both electric and (C)(Q/q) = (3/1) (D) (Q/q) = (5/1)
magnetic fields
9. Three equal charges (q) are placed at corners of a
4. Two similar charge of +Q , as shown in figure are equilateral triangle. The force on any charge is-
placed at A and B. –q charge is placed at point C Kq 2
midway between A and B. –q charge will oscillate if (A) Zero (B) 3
a2
2
Kq Kq 2
(C) 2 (D) 3 3
3a a2

10. Four charges are arranged at the corners of a square

ABCD, as shown. The force on +ve charge kept
at the centre of the square is B +q –q C
(A) zero
(A) It is moved towards A.
(B) It is moved towards B. (B) along diagonal AC
(C) along diagonal BD –2q +2q
(C) It is moved upwards AB. A D
(D) Distance between A and B is reduced. (D) perpendicular to the side AB
Section B - Electric field, Questions on 15. A particle of mass m and charge Q is placed in an
constant electric field, Electric electric field E which varies with time t ass E = E0
field due to uniformly charged
Rod, Time period of SHM + sint. It will undergo simple harmonic motion of
Electrostatics, Electric field due amplitude
to uniformly charged Ring, disc,
sheet QE 02 QE 0
(A) (B)
11. Two charges 4q and q are placed 30 cm. apart. At m2 m2
what point the value of electric field will be zero
(A) 10 cm. away from q and between the charge QE 0 QE 0
(B) 20 cm. away from q and between the charge (C) (D)
m2 m
(C) 10 cm. away from q and out side the line joining
the charge.
(D) 10 cm. away from 4q and out side the line joining 16. A small circular ring has a uniform charge distribution.
them. On a far-off axial point distance x from the centre of
the ring, the electric field is proportional to-
12. A point charge 50C is located in the XY plane at (A) x–1 (B) x–3/2

the point of position vector r0  2iˆ  3jˆ . What is (C) x–2 (D) x5/4
the electric field at the point of position vector
 17. A nonconducting ring of radius R has uniformly
r  8iˆ  5j
ˆ
distributed positive charge Q. A small part of the
(A) 1200 V/m (B) 0.04 V/m
ring, of length d, is removed (d<<R). The electric
(C) 900 V/m (D) 4500 V/m
field at the centre of the ring will now be -
  (A) directed towards the gap, inversely proportional
13. A point charge q is placed at origin. Let E A , E B and
to R3.

E C be the electric field at three points A(1, 2, 3), (B) directed towards the gap, inversely proportional
B(1, 1, –1) and C(2, 2, 2) due to charge q. Then to R2.
    (C) directed away from the gap, inversely proportional
[i] E A  E B [ii] | E B |  4 |E C |
to R3.
select the correct alternative
(A) only [i] is correct (B) only [ii] is correct (D) directed away from the gap, inversely proportional
(C) both [i] and [ii] are correct to R2.
(D) both [i] and [ii] are wrong
18. Six charges three positive and three negative of equal
14. Two identical point charges are placed at a separation magnitude are to be placed at the vertices of a regular
of l.P is a point on the line joining the charges, at a hexagon such that the electric field at O is double
distance x from any one charge. The field at P is E. the electric field when only one positive charge of
E is plotted against x for values of x from close to
same magnitude is placed at R. Which of the
zero to slightly less than l. Which of the following
following arrangements of charges is possible for
best represents the resulting curve ?
P,Q,R,S,T and U respectively?
E E
P Q

(A) (B) U R
x x O
O L O L
E E
T S
(A) +, –,+, –,–, +, (B) +, –,+, –,+, –,
L L x
(C) O x (D) O (C) +, +,–, +,–, –, (D) –, +,+, –,+, –,
19. The charge per unit length of the four quadrant of 23. Three charges are placed as shown in fig if the electric
the ring is 2, –2,  and – respectively. The electric potential energy of system is zero, then Q : q-
field at the centre is -

(A) – 2 R î
0

 ˆ
(B) 2 R j Q 2 Q 2
0 (A) q  1 (B) q  1

2 Q 1 Q 1 1
(C) î (C) q  2 (D) q  2
20 R 4
(D) None
24. Four equal charges +q are placed at four corners
20. A uniform horizontal electric field E is established in of a square with its centre of origin and lying in yz
the space between two large vertical parallel plates. plane. The electrostatic potential energy of a fifth
A small conducting sphere of mass m is suspended charge +q varies or x-axis as
in the field from a string of lengt L. If the sphere is
U U
given charge + q, then te period of oscillation of the
pendulum is (A) (B)
–x x –x x
L
(A) 2 L / g (B) 2 g  qE / m U U

(C) (D)
L –x x –x x
(C) 2 g  qE / m
25. Two particles X and Y, of equal mass and with
L unequal positive charges, are free to move and are
(D) 2 initially far away from each other. With Y at rest, X
g  (qE / m)2
2
begins to move towards it with initial velocity u.
After a long time, finally.
Section C - Electrostatic potential energy, (A) X will stop, Y will move with velocity u
Question Based on energy (B) X and Y will both move with velocities u/2 each
conservation and Angular
Momentum conservation,
(C) X will stop, Y will move with velocity < u
Potential energy for a system (D) both will move with velocities <u/2
of charged particles
21. When a negative charge is released and moves in 26. Three charges Q, + q and + q are placed at the
electric field, it moves toward a position of vertices of a right angled isosceles triangle as shown
(A) lower electric potential and lower potential energy in figure. The net electrostatic energy of the
(B) lower electric potential and higher potential energy configuartion is zero if Q equal to
(C) higher electric potential and lower potential energy
(D) higher electric potential and higher potential energy Q

22. Two identical particles of mass m carry a charge Q

each. Initially one is at rest on a smooth horizontal
plane and the other is projected along the plane
directly towards first particle from a large distance
+q +q
with speed v. The closed distance of approach be
a
1 Q2 1 4Q 2
(A) (B)
40 mv 40 mv 2 q 2q
(A) (B)
2 2 1 2 2 2
1 2Q 1 3Q
(C) (D) (C) –2q (D) +q
40 mv 2 40 mv 2
27. Three point charges q, –2 q and –2 q are placed at 31. If mass of the electron = 9.1 × 10–31 Kg. Charge on the
the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. The electron = 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb and g = 9.8 m/s2. Then
work done by some external force to increase their the intensity of the electric field required to balance
separation to 2 a will be the weight of an electron is-
1 2q 2 (A) 5.6 × 10-9 N/C (B) 5.6 × 10–11 N/C
(A) . (B) negative (C) 5.6 × 10–8 N/C (D) 5.6 × 10–7 N/C
40 a

1 3q 2 32. When charge of 3 coulomb is placed in a Uniform

(C) zero (D) .
40 a electric field, it experiences a force of 3000 newton,
within this field, potential difference between two
28. A particle of mass m and charge q is projected points separated by a distance of 1 cm is-
 (A) 10 Volt (B) 90 Volt
vertically upwards. A uniform electric field E is acted
(C) 1000 Volt (D) 3000 Volt.
vertically downwards. The most appropriate graph
between potential energy U (gravitational plus
electrostatic) and height h (<< radius of earth) is 33. Three equal charges are placed at the three corners
(assume U to be zero on surface of earth.) of an isosceles triangle as shown in the figure. The
U U statement which is true for electric potential V and
the field intensity E at the centre of the triangle is-

(A) (B)
h h

U U

(A) V = 0, E = 0 (B) V = 0, E  0
(C) (D) (C) V  0 , E =0 (D) V  0, E  0
h h
34. Electric potential is a -
(A) Vector quantity
Section D - Electric Potential, Relation
(B) Scalar quantity
between E and V., Potential due
to point charge, Rod, Ring, disc, (C) Neither vector Nor scalar
Question Based on Electric field (D) Fictious quantity
intensity, and electric potential,
Questions Based on electric
field lines 35. ABC is equilateral triangle of side 1m. Charges are
29. If Q =2 coloumb and force on it is F=100 newtons, placed at its corners as shown in fig. O is the mid-
Then the value of field intensity will be - point of side BC the potential at point (O) is-
(A) 100 N/C (B) 50 N/C
(C) 200 N/C (D) 10 N/C

30. Four equal but like charge are placed at four corners of
a square. The electric field intensity at the center of the
square due to any one charge is E, then the resultant
electric field intensity at centre of square will be :
(A) Zero (B) 4E
(C) E (D) 1/2E (A) 2.7 × 103 V (B) 1.52 × 105 V
(C) 1.3 × 103 V (D) – 1.52 × 105 V
36. Uniform electric field of magnitude 100 V/m in space 41. If the given figure shows equipotential surfaces, then
is directed along the line y = 3 + x. Find the potential the magnitude of electric field is
difference between point A(3, 1) & B(1, 3) 80V
60V
(A) 100 V (B) 200 2 V 40V
20V
(C) 200 V (D) 0
30°
Section E - Equipotential surface 10cm

37. An equipotential surface and a line of force :

(A) never intersect each other
(A) 50 N/C (B) 100 N/C
(B) intersect at 45°
(C) 200 M/C (D) 400 N/C
(C) intersect at 60°
(D) intersect at 90° 42. An equipotential surface is that surface -
(A) On which each and every point has the same
38. The equation of an equipotential line in an electric potential
field is y = 2x, then the electric field strength vector (B) Which has negative potential
at (1, 2) may be (C) Which has positive potential
(D) Which has zero potential
(A) 4iˆ  3ˆj (B) 4iˆ  8ˆj

(C) 8iˆ  4ˆj (D) –8iˆ  4ˆj Section F - Electric field and electric
potential due to electric dipole,
Dipole in electric field (Torque,
39. The electric field in region is given by : potential energy), Angular SHM
for dipole, Force on electric
E = (4axy z ) i + (2ax2 z ) j + (ax2y / z ) k , dipole in Non-uniform electric
field
where a is a positive constant. The equation of an 43. A and B are two points on the axis and the perpendicular
equipotential surface will be of the form - bisector respectively of an electric dipole. A and B are
(A) z = constant / [x3y2] far away from the dipole and at equal distance from it.
(B) z = constant / [xy2]  
The field at A and B are E A and E B .
(C) z = constant / [x4y2]
(D) None  
(A) E A  E B
 
40. Figure shows three spherical and equipotential (B) E A  2 E B
surfaces 1, 2 and 3 around a point charge q. The  
(C) E A  –2 E B
potential difference V! – V2 = V2 – V3. If t1 and t2
be the distance between them, then 1  
(D) | E B | = |EA|, and E B is perpendicular to E A
3 2
2
1
q 44. If an electric dipole is kept in a unifrom electric field,
t2 t1
Then it will experience
(A) a force
(B) a couple and mover
(C) a couple and rotates
(A) t1 = t2 (B) t1>t2 (D) a force and moves.
(C) t1 < t2 (D) t1  t2
45. An electric dipole consists of two opposite charges each 49. The electric potential at a point due to an electric
of magnitude 1 × 10–6 C separated by a distance 2cm. dipole will be.
The dipole is placed in an external field of    
10 × 105N/C. The maximum torque on the dipole is - p.r p.r
(A) k (B) k
(A) 0.2 × 10–3 N-m (B) 1.0 × 10–3 N-m r3 r2
(C) 2 × 10-2 N-m (D) 4 × 10–3 N-m
   
k(p  r ) k(p  r )
(C) (D)
46. The ratio of the electric field due to an electric dipole r r2
on its axis and on the perpendicular bisector of the
50. A dipole consists of two particles one with charge
dipole is-
+1 C and mass 1kg and the other with charge
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 2 : 1
–1C and mass 2kg separated by a distance of 3m.
(C) 1 : 4 (D) 4 : 1
For small oscillations about its equilibrium position,
the angular frequency, when placed in a uniform
47. 4 charges are placed each at a distance ‘a’ from
electric field of 20kV/m is
origin. The dipole moment of configuration is
(A) 0.1 rad/s (B) 1.1 rad/s
y
3q
(C) 10 rad/s (D) 2.5 rad/s
x
–2q –2q 51. Two short electric dipoles are placed as shown. The
q
energy of electric interaction between these dipoles
(A) 2qajˆ (B) 3qajˆ will be
P1
(C) 2aq[iˆ  ˆj] (D) none
r

48. The region surrounding a stationary electric dipole has- P2

(A) electric field only 2 kP1P2 cos  2 kP1P2 cos 

(A) (B)
(B) magnetic field only r3 r3
(C) both electric and magnetic fields
2 kP1P2 sin  4 kP1P2 cos 
(D) neither electric nor magnetic field (C) (D)
r3 r3
Exercise - 2 (Level-I) Objective Problems | JEE Main

Section A - Coloumb's law, Electrostatic 5. Two free positive charges 4q and q are a distance l
Equillibrium + Properties of apart. What charge Q is needed to achieve
Charge equilibrium for the entire system and where should
1. A charged particle having some mass is resting in it be placed form charge q ?
equilibrium at a height H above the centre of a 4 l
uniformly charged non-conducting horizontal ring (A) Q  q (negative)at
9 3
of radius R. The force of gravity acts downwards.
The equilibrium of the particle will be stable - 4 l
(B) Q  q (positive) at
9 3
(A) for all values of H (B) only if H > R / 2
l
(C) only if H < R / 2 (D) only if H = R / 2 (C) Q = q (positive) at
3
l
2. Find the force experienced by the (D) Q = q (negative) at
3
semicircular rod charged with a
charge q, placed as shown in figure. 6. Two identical positive charges are fixed on the y-axis,
Radius of the wire is R and the R
at equal distances from the origin O. A particle with a
infinitely long line of charge with linear negative charge starts on the x-axis at a large distance
density  is passing through its centre from O, moves along the +x-axis, passes through O
and perpendicular to the plane of wire. and moves far away from O. Its acceleration a is taken
as positive along its direction of motion. The particle’s
q q acceleration a is plotted against its x-coordinate. Which
(A) (B)
22  0 R 2
 0R of the following best represents the plot ?
a a
q q
(C) (D) 4 R x x
42  0 R 0 (A) O (B) O

3. Two fixed charges 4Q (positive) and Q (negative) a

a
are located at A and B, the distance AB being 3 m.
x
+4Q –Q (C) O x (D) O
A 3m B
(A) The point P where the resultant field due to
both is zero is on AB outside AB. Section B - Electric field, Questions on
(B) The point P where the resultant field due to constant electric field, Electric
both is zero is on AB inside AB. field due to uniformly charged
(C) If a positive charge is placed at P and displaced Rod, Time period of SHM +
Electrostatics, Electric field due
slightly along AB it will execute oscillations.
to uniformly charged Ring, disc,
(D) If a negative charge is placed at P and displaced sheet
slightly along AB it will execute oscillation. 7. A wheel having mass m has charges +q and –q on
diametrically opposite points. It remains in
4. Select the correct statement : (Only force on a equilibrium on a rough inclined plane in the presence
particle is due to electric field) of uniform vertical electric field E =
(A) A charged particle always moves along the mg +q
electric line of force. (A) q E
(B) A charged particle may move along the line of –q

force mg
(C) A charge particle never moves along the line of (B) 2q
force
(D) A charged particle moves along the line of force mg tan 
(C) 2q (D) none
only if released from rest.
8. An electric charge 10–8 C is placed at the point E E
(4m, 7m, 2m). At the point (1m, 3m, 2m), the electric
(A) potential will be 18 V
(B) field has no Y-component (A) (B)
(C) field will be along Z-axis Z
O Z O L
(D) potential will be 1.8 V 2 L 2
E E

9. An equilateral triangle wire frame of side L having

3 point charges at its vertices is kept in x-y plane as
shown. Component of electric field due to the (C) (D)
configuration in z direction at (0, 0, L) is [origin is Z O L Z
O L 2
centroid of triangle]
13. The given diagram shows two infinite line of charges
q y
having equal (in magnitude) linear charge density but
with opposite sign. The direction of electric field at
x any point on x-axis for (x>0) is given by the unit vector
q –2q
y

9 3 kq
(A) (B) zero
8L2
x
O
9 kq
(C) (D) None
8 L2

10. Two equal negative charges are fixed at the points

[0, a] and [0, –a] on the y-axis. A positive charge Q (A) cos iˆ  sin ˆj (B) î
is released from rest at the points [2a, 0] on the
(C) ĵ (D)  sin iˆ  sin ˆj
x-axis. The charge Q will -
(A) execute simple harmonic motion about the origin
(B) move to the origin and remain at rest 14. A small sphere of mass m and carrying a charge q
is attached to one end of an insulating thread of
(C) move to infinity
length a, the other end of which is fixed at (0,0) as
(D) execute oscillatory but not simple harmonic motion.
showing in figure. There exists a uniform electric
 
11. A particle of charge 1C & mass 1 gm moving with field E  E0 ˆj in the region. The minimum velocity
a velocity of 4m/s is subjected to a uniform electric which should be given to the sphere at (a, 0) in the
field of magnitude 300 V/m for 10 sec. Then it’s direction shown so that it is able to complete the
final speed cannot be : circle around the origin is (There is no gravity)
(A) 0.5 m/s (B) 4 m/s 5qE 0 a
(C) 3 m/s (D) 6 m/s (A)
m
Y
12. Four equal positive charges are fixed at the vertices 3qE 0 a
(B) v
a square of side L. z-axis is perpendicular to the m
plane of the square. The point z = 0 is the point x
qE0 a O
where the diagonals of the square intersect each (C)
m
other. The plot of electric field due to the four
charges, as one moves on the z-axis is qE0 a
(D) 2
m
Section C - Electrostatic potential energy, 19. Two point charges of +Q each have been placed at
Question Based on energy the positions (–a/2, 0, 0) and (a/2, 0, 0). The locus
conservation and Angular of the points in YZ plane where –Q charge can be
Momentum conservation, placed such the that total electrostatic potential
Potential energy for a system
energy of the system can become equal to zero, is
of charged particles
represented by which of the following equations ?
15. Two positively charged particles X and Y are initially (A) Z2 + (Y – a)2 = 2a
far away from each other and at rest. X begins to (B) Z2 + (Y – a)2 = 27a2/4
move towards Y with some initial velocity. The total (C) Z2 + Y2 = 15a2 / 4
momentum and energy of the system are p and E. (D) None
(A) If Y is fixed, both p and E are conserved
(B) If Y is fixed, E is conserved, but not p 20. Two identical particles of charge q each are
(C) If both are free to move, p is conserved but not E connected by a massless spring of force constant
(D) If both are free, E is conserved, but not p k. They are placed over a smooth horizontal surface.
They are released when the separation between
16. Mid way between the two equal and similar charges, them is r and spring is unstretched. If maximum
we placed the third equal and similar charge. Which extension of the spring is r, value of k is (neglect
of the following statements is correct, concerned to gravitational effect)
the equilibrium along the line joining the charges ? q q
(A) The third charge experienced a net force inclined k
to the line joining the charges
(B) The third charge is in stable equilibrium
(C) The third charge is in unstable equilibrium q 1 q 1
(D) The third charge experiences a net force (A) 4r  r (B) 2r  r
0 0
perpendicular to the line joining the charges
2q 1
17. A charged particle of charge Q is held fixed and (C) r  r (D) none of these
another charged particle of mass m and charge q (of 0

the same sign) is released from a distance r. The

impulse of the force exerted by the external agent Section D - Electric Potential, Relation
on the fixed charge by the time distance between Q between E and V., Potential due
and q becomes 2r is - to point charge, Rod, Ring, disc,
Question Based on Electric field
Qq Qqm intensity, and electric potential,
(A) 4 mr (B) 4 0 r
0 Questions Based on electric
field lines
Qqm Qqm
(C)  0 r (D) 20 r 21. The diagram shows a small bead of mass m carrying
charge q. The bead can freely move on the smooth
fixed ring placed on a smooth horizontal plane. In the
18. Two particles of same mass and charge are thrown in
same plane a charge +Q has also been fixed as
the same direction along the horizontal with same velocity
shown. The potential at the point P due to +Q is V.
v from two different heights h1 and h2 (h1 < h2). Initially
they were located on the same vertical line. Choose the The velocity with which the bead should projected
correct alternative. from the point P so that it can complete a circle should
(A) Both the particles will lie on a vertical line until be greater than
either of the ball hits the ground g
6qV X
(B) Acceleration of the centre of mass of two (A)
m +Q
P
particles will be g downwards a 4a
(C) Horizontal displacement of the particle lying at qV
h1 is less and the particle lying at h2 is more than the (B)
value, which would had been in the absence of m
charges on them.
3qV
(D) All of these (C) (D) none
m
22. The diagram shows three infinitely long uniform line 26. The electric potential decreases uniformly from V
charges placed on the X, Y and Z axis. The work to –V along X-axis in a coordinate system as we
done in moving a unit positive charge from (1, 1, 1) moves from a point (–x0, 0) to (x0, 0), then the
to (0, 1, 1) is equal to - electric field at the origin.
Y (A) must be equal to V/x0
(B) may be equal to V/x0
(C) must be greater than V/x0
X (D) may be less than V/x0

Z
Section E - Equipotential surface
(A) ( ln 2) / 20 (B) ( ln 2) / 0 27. Figure shows two equipotential lines in XY plane for an
(C) (3 ln 2) / 20 (D) None electric field. The scales are marked. The X-component
Ex and Y-component Ey of the electric field in the space
23. Let V be electric potential and E the magnitude of between these equipotential lines are respectively.
the electric field. At a given position, which of the
statement is true ? 3
(A) E is always zero where V is zero

Y(in cm)
(B) V is always zero where E is zero 2
lt
(C) E can be zero where V is non zero vo
2 lt
1 vo
(D) E is always nonzero where V is nonzero 4
0
24. Variation of electrostatic potential along x-direction 2 4 6 8
is shown in the graph. The correct statement about X(in cm)
electric field is
(A) +100 Vm-1, –200 Vm-1
(B) +200 Vm-1, +100 Vm-1
v
(C) –100 Vm-1, +200 Vm-1
(D) –200 Vm-1, –100 Vm-1
A B C
x Section F - Electric field and electric
(A) x component at point B is maximum potential due to electric dipole,
(B) x component at point A is towards positive x axis Dipole in electric field (Torque,
potential energy), Angular SHM
(C) x component at poin C is along negative x-axis
for dipole, Force on electric
(D) x component at point C is along positive x-axis dipole in Non-uniform electric
field
25. The figure shows a nonconducting ring which has 28. An electric dipole is kept on the axis of a uniformly charged
positive and negative charge non uniformly ring at distance R / 2 from the centre of the ring. The
distributed on it such that the total charge is zero.
direction of the dipole moment is along the axis. The dipole
Which of the following statements is true ?
-- moment is P, charge of the ring is Q and radius of the ring
+ --
is R. The force on the dipole is nearly
+
+++ + +++ +

-
--
-- 4kPQ 4 kPQ
-- (A) (B)
O
--- 3 3 R2 3 3 R3
--
++

-- axis
++ -- 2 kPQ
(C) (D) zero
(A) The potential at all the points on the axis will be zero. 3 3 R3
(B) The electric field at all the points on the axis
will be zero. 29. Point P lies on the axis of a dipole. If the dipole is
(C) The direction of electric field at all points on rotated by 90º anticlock wise, the electric field vector
the axis will be along the axis 
E at P will rotate by
(D) If the ring is placed inside a uniform external
(A) 90º clock wise (B) 180º clock wise
electric field then net torque and force acting on
(C) 90º anti clock wise (D) none
the ring would be zero.
30. The dipole moment of a system of charge +q 34. In space of horizontal EF(E = (mg)/q) exist as
distributed uniformly on an arc of radius R shown in figure and a mass m attached at the end
subtending an angle /2 at its centre where another of a light rod. If mass m is released from the position
charge –q is placed is. shown in figure find the angular velocity of the rod
when it passes through the bottom most position.
2 2qR 2qR
(A) (B)
 
=45º mg
E= q
qR 2qR
(C) (D) m
  m
+q

31. A large sheet carries uniform surface charge density

. A rod of length 2l has a linear charge density  on g 2g
(A) (B)
one half and – on the second half. The rod is hinged l l
at mid point O and makes an angle  with the normal
to the sheet. The torque experienced by the rod is 3g 5g
(C) (D)
(A) 0 l l

l 2
(B) sin  35. A particle of mass 1 kg & charge 1/3  C is projected
20 + towards a non conducting fixed spherical shell having
+
+ the same charge uniformly distributed on its surface.
l 2 +
Find the minimum initial velocity of projection required
(C) sin  +
0 +
if the particle just grazes the shell.
+
+
l + V
from
(D) 2 0.5 mm
0 1 mm

32. A circular ring of radius R with uniform positive 2 2

(A) m/s (B) 2 m /s
charge density  per unit length is located in the y- 3 3
z plane with its centre at the origin O. A particle of
mass m and positive charge q is projected from the 2
(C) m/s (D) none
point P(R 3 , O, O) on the positive x-axis directly 3
q
towards O, with an initial kinetic energy 4 . 36. A simple pendulum has a length , mass of bob m.
0
(A) The particle crosses O and goes to infinity The bob is given a charge q coulomb. The pendulum
(B) The particle returns to P is suspended in a uniform horizontal electric field of
(C) The particle will just reach O strength E as shown in figure, then calculate the
time period of oscillation when the bob is slightly
(D) The particle crosses O and goes to R 3 .
displace from its mean position is
E
33. A small particle of mass m and Q
R
charge –q is placed at point P on P
x

the axis of uniformly charged ring
and released. If R >> x, the particle q,m
will undergo oscillations along the axis of symmetry
with an angular frequency that is equal to -  
   
2  
qQ qQx (A) 2 g (B)
(A) (B)  g  qE 
40 mR 3 4 0 mR 4  m 

qQ qQx   
   2
(C) (D) 2
40 mR 3 40 mR 4 (C)
2   (D)  qE 
 g – qE  g2   
 m   m
Exercise - 2 (Level-II) Multiple Correct | JEE Advanced
Section A - Coloumb's law, Electrostatic Section B - Electric field, Questions on
Equillibrium + Properties of constant electric field, Electric
Charge field due to uniformly charged
1. Select the correct alternative : Rod, Time period of SHM +
(A) The charge gained by the uncharged body from Electrostatics, Electric field due
to uniformly charged Ring, disc,
a charged body due to conduction is equal to half of
sheet
the total charge initially present. 5. If we use permittivity , resistance R, gravitational
(B) The magnitude of charge increases with the
constant G and voltage V as fundamental physical
increase in velocity of charge
quantities, then -
(C) Charge can not exist without matter although
(A) [angular displacement] = 0R0G0V0
matter can exist without charge
(B) [Velocity] = –1R–1G0V0
(D) Between two non-magnetic substances repulsion
(C) [dipole moment] = 1R0G0V1
is the true test of electrification (electrification means
body has net charge) (D) [force] = 1R0G0V2

2. Two point charges Q and –Q/4 are separated by a 6. A particle of mass m and charge q is thrown in a
distance x. Then region where uniform gravitational field and electric
Q x –Q/4 field are present. The path of particle
(A) may be a straight line
(A) potential is zero at a point on the axis which is
(B) may be a circle
x/3 on the right side of the charge –Q/4
(B) potential is zero at a point on the axis which is x/5 (C) may be a parabola
on the left side of the charge –Q/4 (D) may be a hyperbola
(C) electric field is zero at a point on the axis which is
at a distance x on the right side of the charge –Q/4 Section C - Electrostatic potential energy,
Question Based on energy
(D) there exist two points on the axis where electric
conservation and Angular
field is zero. Momentum conservation,
Potential energy for a system
3. A negative point charge placed at the point A is of charged particles
7. Particle A having positive charge is moving directly
a a head-on towards initially stationary positively
+2q A +2q charged particle B. At the instant when A and B are
(A) in stable equilibrium along x-axis closest together.
(B) in unstable equilibrium along y-axis (A) the momenta of A and B must be equal
(C) in stable equilibrium along y-axis (B) the velocities of A and B must be equal
(D) in unstable equilibrium along x-axis (C) B would have gained less kinetic energy than A
would have lost.
4. Three point charges Q, 4Q and 16Q are placed on a (D) B would have gained the same momentum as A
straight line 9cm long. Charges are placed in such a would have lost.
way that the system has minimum potential energy.
Then 8. Which of the following is true for the figure showing
(A) 4Q and 16Q must be at the ends and Q at a electric lines of force ? (E is electrical field, V is
distance of 3 cm from the 16Q potential)
(B) 4Q and 16Q must be at the ends and Q at a (A) EA > EB B
A
distance of 6 cm from the 16Q (B) EB > EA
(C) Electric field at the position of Q is zero (C) VA > VB
Q (D) VB > VA
(D) Electric field at the position of Q is 4
0
Section D - Electric Potential, Relation 13. Which of the following statements is/are not true
between E and V., Potential due regarding a conductor?
to point charge, Rod, Ring, disc, (A) The surface of any charged conductor is an
Question Based on Electric field equipotential surface.
intensity, and electric potential, (B) when a conductor is earthed, charge always flows
Questions Based on electric field from conductor to earth.
lines
(C) Electrostatic field inside te conductor is zero.
9. Potential at a point A is 3 volt and at a point B is 7
(D) Electrostatic potential throughout the volume of
volt, an electron is moving towards A from B.
conductor is constant.
(A) It must have some K.E. at B to reach A
(B) It need not have any K.E. at B to reach A 14. Referring to the spherical equipotential lines in figure.
(C) to reach A it must have more than or equal to  
then E =f(r). and E – pattern, which of the following
4eV K.E. at B. correct option?
(D) when it will reach A, it will have K.E. more
10V
then or at least equal to 4eV if it was released from
rest at B. 30V
m
V E-lines
c
60V 60
10. Four identical charges are placed at the points r
10 V-lines
(1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (–1, 0, 0) and (0, –1, 0). cm 20cm

(A) The potential at the origin is zero.

(B) The field at the origin is zero.
(C) The potential at all points on the z-axis, other Equipotential surface Equipotential surface
than the origin, is zero. (a) (b) (c)

(D) The field at all points on the z-axis, other than  6  6

the origin acts along the z-axis. (A) E  r Vm-1
ˆ (B) E  Vm-1
r2 r2
(C) E must be outward (D) E inward
Section E - Equipotential surface
11. Two infinite sheets of uniform 15. In a uniform electric field, equipotential surfaces must –
charge density +  and –  are (A) be plane surface
parallele to each other as shown (B) be normal to the direction of the field
in the figure. Electric field at the (C) be spaced such that surfaces having equal differ-
(A) points to the left or to the right of the sheets is zero ences in potential are separated by equal distance
(B) midpoint between the sheets is zero (D) have increasing potentials in the direction of the field
(C) midpoint of the sheets is /0 and is directed
towards right
Section F - Electric field and electric
potential due to electric dipole,
(D) midpoint of the sheets is 2/0 and is directed
Dipole in electric field (Torque,
towards right potential energy), Angular SHM
for dipole, Force on electric dipole
12. Figure shows a set of equipotential surfaces. There in Non-uniform electric field
are a few points marked on them. An electron is 16. For the situation shown in the figure below (assume r
being moved from one point to other. Which of the >> lenth of dipole) mark out the correct statement(s).
following statements is/are correct? 
p (Small dipole)
5V 10V 15V 20V 25V

B E
Q
D
A r
C (A) Force acting on the dipole is zero
x-axis
(B) Force acting on the dipole is approximately
pQ
(A) The electric field is directed along + x-axis. & is acting upward.
4 0 r 3
(B) Work done by the electric field, in moving the pQ
electron form B to C, is positive. (C) Torque acting on the dipole is in
40 r 2
(C) Work done by the electric field, in moving the clockwise direction
electron form C to D is same as from D to E. pQ
(D) As the electron moves from E to A, the potential (D) Torque acting on the dipole is in
40 r 2
energy increases. anti-clockwise direction
Exercise - 3 | Level-I Subjective | JEE Advanced

Section A - Coloumb's law, Electrostatic Section B - Electric field, Questions on

Equillibrium + Properties of constant electric field, Electric
Charge field due to uniformly charged
Rod, Time period of SHM +
1. A negative point charge 2q and a positive charge q Electrostatics, Electric field due
are fixed at a distance l apart. Where should a positive to uniformly charged Ring, disc,
test charge Q be placed on the line connecting the sheet
charge for it to be in equilibrium? What is the nature 8. Six charges are placed at the vertices of a regular
of the equilibrium with respect to longitudinal hexagon as shown in the figure. Find the electric
motions? field on the line passing through O and perpendicular
to plane of the figure as a function of distance x
from point O.
2. The distance between two fixed positive charges 4e
and e is . How should a third charge 'q' be arranged +Q –Q

for it to be in equilibrium ? Under what condition

will equilibrium of the charge 'q' be stable (for –Q +Q
O
displacement on the line joining 4e and e) or will it
+Q –Q
be unstable ? a

3. Two particles A and B, each having a charge Q are 9. A charge + 10–9 C is located at the origin in free space
placed a distance d apart. Where should a particle & another charge Q at (2, 0, 0). If the X-component
of charge q be placed on the perpendicular bisector of the electric field at (3, 1, 1) is zero, calculate the
of AB so that it experiences maximum force ? What value of Q. Is the Y-component zero at (3, 1, 1) ?
is the magnitude of the maximum force ?
10. A charge of 8 mC is located at the origin. Calculate
the work done by external agent in taking a small
4. A thin circular wire of radius r has a charge Q. If a
charge of –2 × 10–9 C from a point A (0, 0, 0.03 m)
point charge q is placed at the centre of the ring, to a point B(0, 0.04m, 0) via a point C(0, 0.06m,
then find the increase in tension in the wire. 0.09m).

5. Two small identical balls P and Q, each of mass (Question 11to12)

0.866 g, carry identical charges and are suspended An electron is projected as shown, with kinetic energy
by two threads of equal length 50 cm each from the K, at an angle  = 45° between two charged plates.
same point. At equilibrium, they are separated by a Ignore gravity.
distance of 50 cm. Find the charge on each ball
(in nearest integer in C).

6. Two identicaly charged spheres are suspended by

strings of equal length. The strings make and angle 45°
+ + + + + + + + + + +
of 30° with each other. When suspednded in a liquid
of density 0.8 g/cc, the angle remains same. What is 11. The magnitude of the electric field, so that the electron
te dielectric constant of the liquid? (The density of just fails to strike the upper plate, should be greater than
the material of the spheres is 1.6 g/c.c.)
12. At what distance from the starting point will the
electron strike the lower plate?
7. Two point charges + 4C and –10 C are placed 10
cm apart in air. A dielectric slab of large length and 13. A circular ring carries a uniformly distributed positive
breadth but of thickeness 5 cm is placed between charge and lies in X-Y plane with center at origin of
them. Calculate the force of attraction between the coordinate system. If at a point (0,0,z) the electric field
charges, if the relative permittivity of dielectric is 9. is E, then draw the graph.
(Questions 14 to 15.) 19. Three charges 0.1 coulomb each are placed on the
A charged cork ball of mass m = 16 g is suspended corners of an equilateral triangle of side 1 m. If the
from a light string in the presence of a uniform electric energy is supplied to this system at the rate of 1 kW,
field as shown in the figure. When how much time would be required to move one of
1  the charges onto the midpoint of the line joining the
E   ˆi  2ˆj  N / C, the ball is in equiligrium at the
2  other two ?
angle of 37°. find W if
Section D - Electric Potential, Relation
between E and V, Potential due
to point charge, Rod, Ring, disc,
y Question Based on Electric field
E intensity, and electric potential,
Questions Based on electric
field lines
x
20. Consider the configuration of a system of four
charges each of value +q. Find the work done by
q external agent in changing the configuration of the
system from figure (i) to fig (ii).
14. The charge on the ball is W×10-2 C.
+q +q +q
15. The tension in the string is W×10-2 N.
a
a
+q +q
Section C - Electrostatic potential energy, +q +q
Question Based on energy
a +q
conservation and Angular fig(i) fig(ii)
Momentum conservation,
Potential energy for a system
of charged particles
16. A charge +Q is uniformly distributed over a thin 21. Eight equal point charges each of charge 'q' and
ring with radius R. A negative point charge –Q and mass 'm' are placed at eight corners of a cube of
mass m starts from rest at a point far away from the side 'a'.
centre of the ring and moves towards the centre. q a
q
Find the velocity of this particle at the moment it
passes through the centre of the ring. q
q
17. A particle of mass m, charge q > 0 and initial kinetic
q
energy K is projected from infinity toward a heavy q
nucleus of charge Q assumed to have a fixed position. q
A q
(a) If the aim is perfect, how close to the centre of
the nucleus is the particle when it comes (i) Find out potential energy of charge system
instantaneously to rest ? (ii) Find out work done by external agent against
electrostatic forces and by electrostatic forces to
(b) With a particular imperfect aim the particle's increase all sides of cube from a to 2a
closest approach to nucleus is twice the distance (iii) If all the charges are released at rest then find out
determined in (a) Determine speed of particle at the their speed when they are at the corners of cube of
closest distance of approach.
side 2a.
(iv) If keeping all other charges fix, charge of corner
18. Two identical particles of mass m carry charge Q each.
Initially one is at rest on a smooth horizontal plane and 'A' is released then find out its speed when it is at
the other is projected along the plane directly towards infinite distance ?
the first from a large distance with an initial speed V. (v) If all charges are released at rest then find out
Find the closest distance of approach. their speed when they are at a very large distance
from each other.
Questions No. 22 to 23 27. A charge 'q' is carried from
A nonconducting disk of a radius a and uniform a point A (r, 135°) to point A B
positive surface charge density  is placed on the B(r, 45°) following a path
r 90° r
ground, with its axis vertical. A particle of mass m which is a quadrant of
and positive charge q is dropped, along the axis of circle of radius 'r'. If the
 P
the disk, from a height H with zero initial velocity. dipole moment is P . then find out the work done by
The particle has q / m  40g / . external agent ?
22. Find the value of H if the particle just reaches the disk.

28. Find out force experienced by short dipole P0 is following
23. find its equilibrium position. different arrangements as shown in figures. [Assume
 
point charge is Q, P0  q 0 (2a) and P  q(2a) ]
Section E - Equipotential surface
y
24. The figure shows three infinite non-conducting plates
P0 Q
of charge perpendicular to the plane of the paper with
(i)
charge per unit area +, +2 and –. Find the ratio of r axis x
the net electric field at that point A to that at point B.
+ + P0 Q
+ +
+ + (ii)
+ A + B r
+ +
equitorial
+ +
+ + P0 P
+
(iii)
r axial for P0
5m 5m
P0
P
25. A particle of mass m and negative charge q is thrown (iv)
in a gravity free space with speed u from the point A r equitorial for P0
on the large non conducting charged sheet with
surface charge density , as shown in figure. Find 29. A dipole is placed at origin of coordinate system as
the maximum distance from A on sheet where the shown in figure, find the electric field at point P(0, y).
particle can strike. y

P (0, y)

u P 45° x

A 30. Electric field given by the Y

 (0, L)
ˆ ˆ
vector E  xi  yj is present
in the XY plane. A small ring
Section F - Electric field and electric carrying charge +Q, which X
(L, 0)
potential due to electric dipole, can freely slide on a smooth
Dipole in electric field (Torque, non conducting rod, is projected along the rod from
potential energy), Angular SHM the point (0, L) such that it can reach the other end
for dipole, Force on electric of the rod. What minimum velocity should be given
dipole in Non-uniform electric to the ring ? (Assume zero gravity)
field
31. Two dipoles p1 and p2 are placed along the same axis
26. Find out the magnitude of electric field intensity at at a distance x apart as shown in figure. What is the
point (2, 0, 0) due to a dipole of dipole moment, magnitude of the force of interaction? What is the
 nature of force, attractive or repulsive?
P  iˆ  3ˆj kept at origin ? Also find out the
P1 P2
potential at that point.
x
Exercise - 3 | Level-II Subjective | JEE Advanced

Section A - Coloumb's law, Electrostatic Section B - Electric field, Questions on

Equillibrium + Properties of constant electric field, Electric
Charge field due to uniformly charged
1. A rigid insulated wire frame in the form of a right angled Rod, Time period of SHM +
Electrostatics, Electric field due
triangle ABC, is set in a vertical plane as shown. Two
to uniformly charged Ring, disc,
bead of equal masses m each and carrying charges q1 sheet
& q2 are connected by a cord of length l & slide without
friction on the wires. Considering the case when the
5. A clock face has negative charges –q, –2q, –3q,
beads are stationary, determine.
..........., –12q fixed at the position of the
(a) The angle . corresponding numerals on the dial. The clock hands
(b) The tension in the cord & do not disturb the net field due to point charges. At
(c) The normal reaction on the beads. If the cord is what time does the hour hand point in the same
now cut, what are the values of the charges for direction is electric field at the centre of the dial.
which the beads continue to remain stationary.
6. Find the electric field at Y
A
–q– – + +
centre of semicircular ring – ++q
P ––
q1 shown in figure ––
– +
+ X
l q Q –
2 R
30° 60°
B C 7. A uniform electric field E exists between two metal
Horizon
plates one negative and other positive. the plate length
is  and the separation of the plates is d.
Question No. (2 to 3) (i) An electron and a proton start from the negative
Two identical He-filled spherical balloons each plate and positive plate, respectively, and go to
carrying a charge q are tied to a weight W with opposite plates. Which one of them wins this race?
strings and float in equilibrium, as shown in Figure. (ii) An electron and a proton start moving parallel to
the plates toward the other end form the midpoint
of the separtion of plates at one end of the plates.,
Which of the two will have greater deviation when
they come out of the plates if they start with the
(a) same initial velocity,
(b) same initial kinetic energy, and
(c) same initial momentum.

2. Find the magnitude of q, assuming that the charge Section C - Electrostatic potential energy,
on each balloon acts as if it were concentrated at Question Based on energy
the center. conservation and Angular
Momentum conservation,
3. Find the volume of each balloon. Take the density Potential energy for a system
of He as He and density of air as a. Ignore the of charged particles
weight of the unfilled balloons.
8. 2 small balls having the same mass & charge &
4. Three particles, each of mass m and carrying a charge located on the same vertical at heights h1 & h2 are
q each, are suspended from a common point by thrown in the same direction along the horizontal at
insulating massless strings, each of length L. If the the same velocity v. The 1st ball touches the ground
particles are in equilibrium and are located at the at a distance l from the initial vertical. At what height
corners of an equilateral triangle of side a, calculate will the 2nd ball be at this instant? The air drag & the
the charge q on each particle. Assume L>>a. charges induced should be neglected.
9. Small identical balls with equal charges are fixed at Section E - Equipotential surface
vertices of regular 2004 - gon with side a. At a certain 14. Two spherical bobs of same mass & radius having
instant, one of the balls is released & a sufficiently long equal charges are suspended from the same point
time interval later, the ball adjacent to the first released by strings of same length. The bobs are immersed
ball is freed. The kinetic energies of the released balls in a liquid of relative permittivity r & density 0.
are found to differ by K at a sufficiently long distance Find the density  of the bob for which the angle of
from the polygon. Determine the charge q of each part. divergence of the strings to be the same in the air &
 E0x  in the liquid ?
10. The electric field in a region is given by E  i.
l
Find the charge contained inside a cubical volume Section F - Electric field and electric
potential due to electric dipole,
bounded by the surfaces x = 0, x = a, y = 0, y = a, z = 0 Dipole in electric field (Torque,
and z = a. Take E0 = 5 × 103 N/C, l = 2cm and a = 1 potential energy), Angular SHM
cm. for dipole, Force on electric dipole
in Non-uniform electric field
11. 2 small metallic balls of radii R1 & R2 are kept in 15. A nonconducting ring of mass m and radius R is
vacuum at a large distance compared to the radii. Find charged as shown. The charged density i.e. charge
the ratio between the charges on the 2 balls at which per unit length is . It is then placed on a rough
electrostatic energy of the system is minimum. Total nonconducting horizontal surface plane.
charge of balls is constant. y
+
++
+
+
Section D - Electric Potential, Relation -- x
between E and V, Potential due --
- -
to point charge, Rod, Ring, disc,

Question Based on Electric field At time t = 0, a uniform electric field E  E0i is
intensity, and electric potential,
Questions Based on electric switched on and the ring start rolling without sliding.
field lines Determine the friction force (magnitude and
direction) acting on the ring, when it starts moving.
12. Two concentric rings of radii r and 2r are placed
with centre at origin. Two charges +q each are fixed 16. Figure shows two dipole moments parallel to each
at the diametrically opposite points of the rings as other and placed at a distance x apart. What is the
magnitude of force of interaction? What is the nature
shown in figure. Smaller ring is now rotated now
of force, attractive or repulsive?
rotated by an angle 90° about Z-axis then it is again
rotated by 90° about Y-axis. Find the work done by
electrostatic forces in each step. If finally larger ring P1 P2
is rotated by 90° about X-axis, find the total work x
required to perform all three steps.
y 17. Four charge the particles ewach having charge Q are
+q fixed at the conrners of the base (at A,B, C, and D) of
+q a square pyramid with slant length a (AP = BP = DP =
x PC = a). A charge –Q is fixed at point P. A dipole with
dipole moment P is placed at the center of base and
+q perpendicular to its plane as shown in figure.
z +q
P
13. Two identical balls of charges q1 & q2 initially have
D a
equal velocity of the same magnitude and direction. C
After a uniform electric field is applied for some 2
time, the direction of the velocity of the first ball a
changes by 60° and the magnitude is reduced by O
half. The direction of the velocity of the second ball B
A a
changes there by 90°. In what proportion will the
(a) the force on dipole due to charge particles, and
velocity of the second ball changes ?
(b) the potential energy of the system.
Exercise - 4 | Level-I Previous Year | JEE Main
1. Two point charges +8 q and –2q are located at x = 0
and x = L respectively. The location of a point on the
Y
x-axis at which the net electric field due to these two
0.1 m
point charges is zero, is: (AIEEE 2005)
(A) 2L (B) L/4 X
(C) 8L (D) 4L
1 2
2. Two thin wire rings each having a radius R are (A) 2.65 × 106 ms–1 (B) 7.02 × 1012 ms–1
placed at a distance d apart with their axes (C) 1.87 × 106 ms–1 (D) 32 × 10–19 ms–1
coinciding. The charges on the two rings are +q
and –q. The potential difference between the 5. An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30° to a
centres of the two rings is : (AIEEE 2005) non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience
qR (AIEEE 2006)
(A) (A) a translational force only in the direction of the field.
4 0 d 2
(B) a translational force only in a direction normal
to the direction of the field.
q 1 1  (C) a torque as well as a translational force
(B)   
2 0 R
2 2
R d  (D) a torque only
(C) zero
6. The potential at a point x(measured in m ) due to
q 1 1  some charges situated on the x-axis is given by
(D)   
4 0 R
2 2
R d  V ( x)  20 /( x 2  4) volt. (AIEEE 2007)
The electric field E at x = 4m is given by
3. A charged ball B hangs from a silk thread S. which 5
(A) V / m and in the -ve x direction
makes an angle  with a large charged conducting 3
sheet P, as shown in the figure. The surface charge 5
density  of the sheet is proportional to : (B) V / m and in the +ve x direction
3
+ (AIEEE 2005)
+
10
(C) V / m and in the -ve x direction
P +
S
9
+
+ 10
(D) V / m and in the +ve x direction
+ 9
+ B

(A) cos (B) cot  7. Charges are placed on the vertices of a square as

(C) sin  (D) tan  shown. Let E be the electric field and V the
potential at the centre. If the charges on A and B
4. Two insulating plates are both uniformly charged in are interchanged with those on D and C
such a way that the potential difference between them respectively, then (AIEEE 2007)

is V2  V1  20V . (ie, plate 2 is at a higher potential). q q

A B
The plates are separated by d = 0.1 m and can be
treated as infinitely large. An electron is released from
rest on the inner surface of plate 1. What is its speed
when it hits plate 2? (AIEEE 2006) C
D
(e = 1.6 × 10–19 C, m0 = 9.11 × 10–31 kg) –q –q
 
(A) E remains unchanged, V changes 12. A charge Q is placed at each of the opposite corners
of a square. A charge q is placed at each of the

(B) both E and V change other two corners. If the net electrical force on Q

(C) E and V remain unchanged Q
is zero, then the equals (AIEEE 2009)

q
(D) E change, V remains unchanged (A) 2 2 (B) –1
1
8. An electric charge 103 C is placed at the origin (C) 1 (D) 
2
(0, 0) of X-Y coordinate system. Two points A and
13. A thin semi-circular ring of radius r has a positive
B are situated at ( 2, 2) and (2, 0) the
charge q distributed uniformly over it. The net field
respectively. The potential difference between the

points A and B will be (AIEEE 2007) E at the centre O is (AIEEE 2010)
(A) 9 V (B) zero
(C) 2 V (D) 4.5 V
ĵ

9. V measured between B and C is

[AIEEE 2008]
î
I I I I O
(A)      b (B)      b  q q ˆj
  (A) ĵ (B) 
4  0 r 2
2
4  0 r 2
2

I I I q q
(C) 2  2    b  ˆ
(D) 2    b  (C)  2 2 j (D) ĵ
2  0 r 2  0 r 2
2

10. The questions contains Statements I and Statement 14. Two identical charged spheres are suspended
by strings of equal lengths. The strings make
II. of the four choice given after the statements, choose an angle of 30° with each other. When
the one that best describes the two statements. suspended in a liquid of density 0.8 g cm–3,
Statements I For a charged particle moving from the angle remains the same. If density of
point P to point Q, the net work done by an the material of the sphere is 16 g cm–3, the
electrostatic field on the paticle is independent of dielectric constant of the liquid is
[AIEEE-2010]
the path connecting point P to point Q.
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 1
Statements II The net work done by a conservative
force on an object moving along a closed loop is 15. Two positive charges of magnitude q are placed at
zero (AIEEE 2009) the ends of a side 1 of a square of side 2a. Two
(A) Statement I is true, Statement II is true. negative charges of the same magnitude are kept
(B) Statement I is true, Statement II is true; at the other corners. Starting from rest , if a charge
Statement II is not the correct explanation of Q moves from the middle of side 1 to the centre of
Statement I. square, its kinetic energy at the centre of square is
(C) Statement I is true, Statement II is true; (AIEEE 2011)
Statement II is not the correct explanation of 1 2qQ  1 
Statement I. (A)  1 
40 a  5
(D) Statement I is false, Statement II is true.
(B) zero
11. Two points P and Q are maintained at the potentials 1 2qQ  1 
of 10 V and –4V respectively. The work done in (C) 1
40 a  
5
moving 100 electrons from P to Q is (AIEEE 2009)
(A) 19  1017 J (B) 9.60  10 17 J 1 2qQ  2 
(D)  1 
(C) 2.24  10 16
J (D) 2.24  10 16
J 40 a  5
16. Two identical charged spheres suspended from a 20. A long cylindrical shell carries positive surface
common point by two massless strings of length l are charge  in the upper half and negative surface
initially a distance d(d << l) apart because of their charge – in the lower half. The electric field lines
mutual repulsion. The charge begins to leak from both around the cylinder will look like figure given in:
the spheres at a constant rate. As a result charges (figures are schematic and not drawn to scale)
approach each other with a velocity v. Then as fuctions [JEE Main 2015]
of distance x between them, (AIEEE 2011)
(A) v  x 1 (B) v  x 1/ 2 ++++
+

++

++ ––
(C) v  x (D) v  x 1/ 2

––
(A) ––
––––

17. Two charges, each equal to q, are kept at x = – a

and x = a on the x-axis. A particle of mass m and
q
chargeq0 = is placed at the origin. If charges q0 ++++
2 +

++

++ ––
is given a small displacement y(y<<a) along the (B)

––
––
––––
y-axis, the net force acting on the particle is
proportional to [JEE Main 2013]
(A) y (B) -y
1 1
(C) (D)  +++ +
y y +

–– +

++ –
+
(C)
–
––
––––

18. Assume that an electric field E  30x2ˆi exists in
space. Then the potential difference V A – VO,
where VO is the potential at the origin and VA the
potential at x = 2 m is : [JEE MAIN 2014]
++++
(A) – 80 J (B) 80 J +
–– +

++ – –
+

(C) 120 J (D) – 120 J

(D)
––
––––

19. A uniformly charged solid sphere of radius R has

potential V0 9measured with respect to ) on its
surface. For this sphere the equipotential surfaces 
21. An electric dipole has a fixed dipole moment P ,
3V0 5V0 3V0 V which makes angle  with respect to x-axis. When
with potentials , , and 0 have 
2 4 4 4 subjected to an electric field E1  E î , it experiences
radius R1, R2, R3 and R4 respectively. Then 
[JEE Main 2015] torque T1  k̂ . When subjected to another
(A) R1 = 0 and R2 < (R4 – R3) 
electric field E2  3E1 ĵ it experiences a torque
(B) 2R < R4  
(C) R1 = 0 and R2 > (R4 – R3) T2   T1 . The angle  is - [JEE Main 2017]
(D) R1  0 and (R2 – R1) > (R4 – R3) (A) 90° (B) 30°
(C) 45° (D) 60°
Exercise - 4 | Level-II Previous Year | JEE Advanced

1. Positive and negative point charges of equal 4. Under the influence of the Coulomb field of
 a  a charge +Q, a charge –q is moving around it in an
magnitude are kept at  0, 0,  and  0, 0,–  ,
 2  2 elliptical orbit. Find out the correct statement(s)
respectively. The work done by the electric field [JEE 2010]
when another positive point charge is moved from (A) The angular momentum of the charge –q is
(–a, 0, 0) to (0, a, 0) is - [JEE 2007]
constant
(A) positive
(B) negative (B) The linear momentum of the charge –q is
(C) zero constant
(D) depends on the path connecting the initial and (C) The angular velocity of the charge –q is
final positions constant
(D) The linear speed of the charge –q is constant
q q 2q
2. Consider a system of three charges , and –
3 3 3
placed at points A, B and C, respectively, as shown 5. A tiny spherical oil drop carrying a net charge q is
in the figure. Take O to be the centre of the circle balanced in still air with a vertical uniform electric
of radius R and angle CAB = 60° [JEE 2008]
81
B field of strength  105 Vm 1 . When the field is
7
C
x
switched off, the drop is observed to fall with
O
60°
terminal velocity 2 × 10–3 ms–1 Given g = 9.8 ms–2,
A
viscosity of the air = 1.8 × 10–5 Ns m–2 and the
q
density of oil = 900 kg m–5, the magnitude of q is :
(A) The electric field at point O is 8  R 2 directed [JEE 2010]
0
along the negative x-axis (A) 1.6 × 10–19C
(B) The potential energy of the system is zero (B) 3.2 × 10–19C
(C) The magnitude of the force between the (C) 4.8 × 10–19C
q2 (D) 8.0 × 10–19C
charges at C and B is
54 0R2
q 6. Four point charges, each of +q are rigidly fixed at
(D) the potential at point O is 12   R the four corners of a square planar soap film of
0
side 'a'. The surface tension of the soap film is  .
3. A few electric field lines for a system of two charges the system of charges and planar film are in
Q1 and Q2 fixed at two different points on the x - axis 1 /N
are shown in the figure. These lines suggest that  q2 
equilibrium, and a = k   , where 'k' is a
  

constant. Then N is [JEE 2011]

Q1 Q2
7. A wooden block performs SHM on a frictionless
surface with frequency, v0. The block carries a
charge +Q on its surface. If now a uniform electric
(A) |Q1| > |Q2| field E is switched-on as shown, then the SHM of
(B) |Q1| < |Q2|
the block will be
(C) at a finite distance to the left of Q1 the electric
field is zero. [JEE 2011]
(D) at a finite distance to the right of Q2 the electric
field is zero. [JEE 2010]
 
E r  V(r)

E
+Q
(C)

0 R r

E r  V(r)

(A) of the same frequency and with shifted mean

position
(B) of the same frequency and with the same mean (D)

position 0 r
R
(C) of changed frequency and with shifted mean
position 10. Six point charges are kept at the vertices of a regular
(D) of changed frequency and with the same mean hexagon of side L. and centtre O, as shown in the
position 1 q
figure. Given that K  4 L2 , which of the
0
following statement(s) is(are) correct?
8. Two large vertical and parallel metal plates having [JEE Advance 2012]
a separation of 1 cm are connected to a DC voltage F L E
+q -q
source of potential difference X. A proton is released
P
at rest midway between the two plates. It is found
A S D
to move at 45° to the vertical JUST after release. +2q O T
-2q

Then X is nearly [JEE 2012]

R
(A) 1 × 10–5 V (B) 1 × 10–7 V
B C
+q -q
(C) 1 × 10–9 V (D) 1 × 10–10 V
(A) The electric field at O is 6K along OD.
9. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with its (B) The potential at O is zero.
centre at the origin, carrying uniform positive surface (C) The potential at all points on the line PR is same.
charge density. The variation of the magnitude of (D) The potential at all points on the line ST is same.

the electric field E r  and the electric potential V(r) 11. For charges Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 of same magnitude
with the distance r from the centre, is best are fixed along the x axis at x = -2a, -a, +a and +2a,
respectively. A positive charge q is placed on the
represented by which graph ? [JEE 2012]
 positive y axis at a distance b > 0. Four potions of
E r  V(r) the signs of these charges are given in List I. The
direction of the forces on the charge q is given in
List II. Match List I with List II and select the
(A) correct answer using the code given below the lists.
[JEE 2014]
0 R r


E r  V(r)

(B)

0 R r
 List I List II 12. The electric field E is measured at a point
P(0,0,d) generated due to various charge
P. Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 all positive 1. +x
distributions and the dependence of E on d
Q. Q1, Q2 positive; Q3, Q4 negative 2. -x is found to be different for different charge
distributions. List-I contains different relations
R. Q1, Q4 positive; Q2, Q3 negative 3. +y
between E and d. List-II describes different
S. Q1, Q3 positive; Q2, Q4 negative 4. -y electric charge distributions, along with their
locations. Match the functions in List-I with
Code : the related charge distributions in List-II.
(A) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2 List – I [JEE 2018]
P. E is indpendent of d
(B) P-4, Q-2, R-3, S-1
1
(C) P-3, Q-1, R-2, S-4 Q. E
d
(D) P-4, Q-2, R-1, S-3 1
R. E
d2
1
S. E
d3
List – II
1. A point charge Q at the origin
2. A small dipole with point charges Q at
(0,0,) and –Q at (0,0,–). Take 2 << d
3. An infinite line charge coincident with the
x-axis, with uniform linear charge density .
4. Two infinite wires carrying uniform linear
Charge density parallel to the x - axis. The
one along (y = 0, z = ) has a charge density
+ and the one along (y = 0, z = – ) has a
charge density –. Take 2 << d
5. Infinite plane charge coincident with the
xy-plane with uniform surface charge density
(A) P  5 ; Q  3, 4 ; R  1 ; S  2
(B) P  5 ; Q  3, ; R  1,4 ; S  2
(C) P  5 ; Q  3, ; R  1,2 ; S  4
(D) P  4 ; Q  2, 3 ; R  1 ; S  5
Exercise - 1 Objective Problems | JEE Main
1. B 2. A 3. D 4. C 5. D 6. C 7. A
8. B 9. B 10. D 11. A 12. D 13. C 14. D
15. B 16. C 17. A 18. D 19. A 20. D 21. C
22. B 23. D 24. B 25. A 26. B 27. C 28. A
29. B 30. A 31. B 32. A 33. C 34. B 35. B
36. D 37. D 38. D 39. C 40. C 41. D 42. A
43. C 44. C 45. C 46. B 47. A 48. A 49. A
50. A 51. B

Exercise - 2 (Level-I) Objective Problems | JEE Main

1. B 2. B 3. A 4. B 5. A 6. B 7. B
8. A 9. B 10. D 11. A 12. D 13. C 14. B
15. B 16. B 17. B 18. D 19. C 20. D 21. A
22. B 23. C 24. D 25. A 26. B 27. C 28. D
29. A 30. A 31. B 32. C 33. A 34. B 35. B
36. D

Exercise - 2 (Level-II) Multiple Correct | JEE Advanced

1. C,D 2. A,B,C 3. C,D 4. B,C 5. A,B,D
6. A,C 7. B,C,D 8. A,D 9. A,C 10. B,D
11. A,C 12. B,C,D 13. A,C,D 14. A,C 15. A, B,C
16. B,C

Exercise - 3 | Level-I Subjective | JEE Advanced

1. a = l (1 +2 ), the equilibrium will be stable

2
2. from charge 4e (If q is positive stable, If q is negative unstable)
3
d 4 Qq qQ
3. , , 4. 5. 1 6. 2 7. 9 8. 0
2 2 3 3 πε0d2 8  2  0r 2
3/2
3 1 1
9. –   3 × 10–9C 10. W = Kqq0  r – r  = 1.2 J 11. K/2qD 12. 4d
 11 B A

13. Following two arguments shall lead us to the right choice.

i. Electric field at the center of the ring is zero.
ii. Electric field is directed away from the ring.

2kQ 2 Qq K Q2
14. 6 15. 5 16. 17. (a) 4  K (b) 18.
mR 0 m m 0 V 2

kq2 4Kq2  3 1 
19. 1.8 × 105 sec 20. – (3 – 2 ) 21. (i) 3   
a a  2 3

2Kq2  3 1  Kq2  3 1  2Kq2  3 1  Kq2  3 1 

(ii) Wel  a 
3    (iii) 3 
2ma 
  (iv)
ma 
3    (v)
ma 
3   
2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3
 4a 2 0 u 2m
22. 23. x = a/ 3 24. 0 25.
3 q

7K K 2qp
26. |E| = ,V= [where K = 1/4 0] 27.
8 4 4  0 r 2
2KP0 Q KP0 Q  6KP0P  3KP0P
28. (i) (– i ) (ii) j (iii) i (iv) (  ĵ )
r3 r3 r4 r4
kP 3 P1P2
(– i – 2j ) (QL2/2m)1/.2 
29. 2y 3
30. 31. 2 0 x 4 , attaractive

Exercise - 3 | Level-II Subjective | JEE Advanced

kq1q2
1. (a) 60° (b) mg + (c) 3 mg, mg. q 1 & q 2 should have unlike charges for the beads to
2
remain stationaly & q2q2 = – mgl2/k
1/ 2
W  40a3mg 
2. q  8W tan 0x2 3. v , i.e., q  
4.  5. 9.30
2(a  He )g  3L 

4kq  2
– i  
6. 7. Electron, ye> yp, ye= yp, ye< yp, 8. H2 = h1 + h2 – g  
R 2  V
Q1 R1
9. 4  0Ka 10. 2.2× 10 -12 C 11. 
Q 2 R2

8 4  Kq2 v  r 0
12. Wfirst step=  –  , Wsecond step=0, Wtotal=0 13. 14. =
3 5 r 3 r – 1
3 p1p2 3 2Qp Q2 pQ
15.  R E0 i 16. 40 x 4 , Repulsive 17. 3 (upward), U = 
2 2
0a 2 20a  0a

Exercise - 4 | Level-I Previous Year | JEE Main

1. A 2. B 3. D 4. A 5. C
6. D 7. D 8. B 9. C 10. B
11. D 12. A 13. C 15. C 15. A
16. D 17. A 18. A 19. A or B 20. C
21. D

Exercise - 4 | Level-II Previous Year | JEE Advanced

1. C 2. C 3. A,D 4. A 5. D
6. 3 7. A 8. C 9. D 10. A,B,C
11. A 12. B